A beloved local tea brand, The Chai Box, is set to open its first physical cafe in Buckhead, marking a significant milestone for the company. The announcement was made via social media, revealing that the brand has secured a lease for a 625-square-foot space at 1963 Howell Mill Road. This location, previously occupied by Doughnut Dollies, has been vacant since the doughnut shop closed last year.
The Chai Box, founded by Monica Sunny, has been a staple in the online tea market since its inception in 2017. Sunny, who has been immersed in the art of chai-making since childhood, expressed her excitement about the new venture. “Ever since I was a little girl, chai was an integral part of my family’s daily ritual,” she shares on The Chai Box website. “Each morning, we fill our home with its warm and spicy aroma, connecting us to our roots, giving us a sense of calmness and at the same time, energizing us to take on the day.”
From Family Tradition to Business Venture
Monica Sunny’s journey into the world of chai began long before she founded The Chai Box. Having moved to Atlanta from India 40 years ago, Sunny has witnessed the evolution of the city’s culinary landscape. “When I moved to Atlanta, there was only one Indian restaurant and grocery store here,” she recalled in a recent Facebook post. “Chai was only enjoyed in homes and not in the streets or cafes like in India.”
This personal history has fueled her ambition to bring a traditional chai experience to the streets of Atlanta. The Chai Box’s offerings are inspired by family recipes and regional flavors from India, emphasizing healthy and environmentally-conscious products. The brand is known for its single-origin, small-batch chai blends, which are crafted with sustainable packaging.
The Rise of Chai Culture in Atlanta
The opening of The Chai Box’s brick-and-mortar location is not just a personal achievement for Sunny but also a reflection of the growing popularity of chai in the United States. Traditionally consumed in Indian households, chai has increasingly found its place in cafes and restaurants across the country. This trend is part of a broader movement towards more diverse and authentic culinary experiences.
According to industry experts, the demand for specialty teas, including chai, has been on the rise. The global tea market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by consumer interest in health and wellness. The Chai Box’s focus on quality and sustainability positions it well to capitalize on these trends.
“As a little girl, I only imagined opening a Chai Cafe in my dreams, and now it’s becoming a reality,” Sunny expressed, highlighting the personal and cultural significance of this new venture.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for The Chai Box
The Chai Box cafe is slated to open later this year, with reports suggesting a potential November launch. This new chapter for the brand promises to offer a unique chai experience to Atlanta residents and visitors alike. The cafe will not only serve as a place to enjoy a cup of chai but also as a cultural hub where patrons can connect with the rich traditions behind the beverage.
As The Chai Box prepares to open its doors, the anticipation is palpable. For Monica Sunny, this venture is more than just a business; it is a dream realized and a tribute to her heritage. The opening of the cafe is expected to further cement The Chai Box’s reputation as a leader in the specialty tea market, while also contributing to the vibrant culinary scene in Buckhead.
With its commitment to quality, tradition, and sustainability, The Chai Box is poised to make a lasting impact on Atlanta’s tea culture. As the city continues to embrace diverse flavors and experiences, The Chai Box’s new cafe is sure to become a beloved destination for chai enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
