Pouring soon: Sweet Simpliciteas

New gourmet loose leaf tea company Sweet Simpliciteas will celebrate its Downtown opening tomorrow, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and again on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can expect drink specials, door prizes, samples and more at the opening party.

The tea shop features nearly 30 loose leaf blends, such as Mojito Green Tea, Caramel Cake Rooibos, Sweet Watermelon Oolong, all created with natural ingredients, says owner Aisha Echols. Any teas can be ordered hot or iced, or can be bought in bulk to take home. There will also be grab-and-go food from Freedom a la Cart (the nonprofit food cart benefiting Doma International), pastries from The Angry Baker, and Ohio-made goods from Easton store Celebrate Local. Look for Sweet Simpliciteas to add pour-over coffee and bubble tea to the menu soon, as well.

The industrial chic tea shop with vintage seating made of reclaimed wood and refurbished seats from a local theater will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 am. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Echols won the Kickstart Columbus small business incubator competition late last year, which awarded her a year of free rent at the storefront at 259 S. Third St. near Columbus Commons.