Spice of Life, opened in 2019 at 240 North Main Street Hendersonville, is restructuring and rebranding under their new name, Ginkgo Tea Life. Plans were already in the works, but after Dobra Tea closed in Asheville, owner Jeff Swientek became even more certain about the change.
Jeff’s making changes he hopes will foster a community gathering space. A place where you can relax, read, spend time with friends, while enjoying hot or cold tea or one of a few other drinks available if you’re not feeling tea that day. The day we were there, he had strawberry lemonade, blackberry black tea (turmeric bliss), and purple papaya berry non-tea drinks.
“Spice of Life is becoming Ginkgo Tea Life – a full service tea house and Tea Bar! We no longer carry spices, oils, rubs, etc. Stay tuned for updates and progress!!” – Jeff Swientek
A variety of cozy seating areas for various numbers of people are already in place, with more in the works. A large community/tea tasting table is also being custom built for center stage in the front half of the shop. When all the new seating’s in place there should be room for about 40 people.
A beautiful, long custom built wood counter has already replaced some of the previous retail space and shelves. Jeff or an employee will be making and pouring the tea of your choice. Pick from dozens of Chinese and Taiwanese loose leaf teas. (See Gallery) You’ll be able to experience “dry pours” and more formal tea brewing & pouring. I’m guessing a very formal pouring will need some advance notice.
The smaller, original bar for brewing and pouring, remains farther back in the space. I’m guessing it seats about four or five.
A new bar and “overflow” seating area will be created through a door to the very back where you can watch employees make Chai, Matcha, Teas . . . “all the things”. They’ll be pouring hot teas, iced teas, herbal elixir blends, seasonal teas, and more.
Pre-packaged foods from a baker in Hendersonville will be available. They’ll be the same Standard, good GF, and Vegan items that were offered at Dobra, if you’re familiar.
The new Ginkgo Tea Life website isn’t complete yet, but you can still find them at https://spiceoflifeinc.com.
Ginkgo Tea Life
240 North Main Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-692-6363