Tea drinkers, rejoice! A new tea shop opened on the corner of Wilson Ave and Hart St, specializing in loose-leaf tea.
Wilson’s Tea & Coffee opened its doors on Monday at 164 Wilson Ave, selling loose leaf by the ounce in addition to freshly brewed tea, pastries, and coffee. Inside the charming shop, you’ll find jars upon jars of unique tea blends: from pina colada, chamomile lemongrass, to Japanese Yamasaki green.
There is a blend for everyone – and the owners will kindly let you smell the heady, luscious teas before you buy. Order a freshly brewed tea from the list of 25 blends by the cup or pot, or bring some home in 2 oz, 3 oz, or 4 oz tins. Prices start at $2.25.
Wilson’s Tea & Coffee
Owners Eric Gutierrez and Jesse Manning, two real estate brokers with hospitality backgrounds, spent months renovating the once shuttered storefront. Gutierrez, who has lived in Bushwick for six years, worked at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope before it closed. Collectively, they have over 20 years of hospitality management experience. Gutierrez’s three years at Tea Lounge taught him a lot about sourcing high-quality tea.
“I’ve been spoiled with good tea, ” he says.
“I was fortunate enough to encounter a tea whole seller who worked directly with tea farmers. [At Wilson’s] we are able to bring to Bushwick teas from all over the world.”
Croissants, cookies, and cake from Queen Bakery
However much experience they had in hospitality and real estate could not prepare them for the challenge of overseeing the construction, which began last fall. Gutierrez admits it took them longer than it should have to open, but knows he wasn’t alone in the struggle. “I know it’s a common story for business owners in this neighborhood [to renovate], but you really can’t understand till you try it.”
Watch the world go by at a corner seat..
..or catch up on work
Hoping to attract both experienced tea drinkers and novices, Wilson’s is making a stamp (literally) on the Bushwick tea scene. Many of the original details in the shop like the ceiling, exposed wood brick, and carved wood beam were restored and repurposed. There are tables to work at and – soon – outdoor seating and outlets.
Manager Linwood Young testing iced tea recipes
Business has already begun to a promising start. On their opening day, Gutierrez tells me they had almost 20 kids from a nearby day care come into the shop. They plan on rolling out new menu items including vegan treats from Champs and coffee from Stone Street. He is hopeful for Wilson’s to join the already caffeinated block including Stateside, Cafeteria La Mejor, and Central Café.
A Tea Haven in Bushwick
“I hope that the neighborhood will welcome us with open arms and if so, I can only imagine Wilson’s future to be a bright one.”
Wilson’s Tea & Coffee, 164 Wilson Ave, Bushwick. Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. Follow them on Instagram.
