Spice Tea Exchange Holds Grand Opening, 1-Year Anniversary Party

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — More than 140 fine spices and over 85 mixed seasoning blends are available at The Spice & Tea Exchange located in the Sundial shopping center. The business is about to mark its first year in a big way.

"The highlight of our store is we make all of our spices and blends," Lisa Coleman, co-owner, told Patch. "Rubs for fish, steak, chicken, barbecue, pasta, you name it, we've got it. And besides that we have over 60 loose-leaf teas from all over the world."

Coleman, 57, and her husband, Brian Himert, 57, opened the shop about a year ago amid the pandemic. Business has been good for the couple as they get ready for their one-year anniversary celebration. Because of the uncertainties of the pandemic when they opened, the grand opening will be celebrated with the one-year anniversary.

Wellness tea has been one of their biggest sellers, Himert said.

Green, black, herbal and seasonal are some variety of teas offered. A tea bar at the venue offers hot and iced teas with options of added sweeteners such as honeys, agave, simple syrups and monkfruit sugar. Teas can be ordered caffeine-free or caffeinated.

Three of the 85 hand-mixed seasoning blends were created by Coleman: Vix Garlic Fix Spice Blend, Onion Obsession and Mad Beach MoHo

When she's running short on time, Lisa said grilled cheese and soup is her go-to for a quick fixing meal. She likes to put a little Vix Garlic Fix on the buttered side of her bread when she's making it, and then she takes some tuscany and puts it in her homemade soup.

Another bestseller is their Florida sunshine salt that also is made as a soy candle. On of Coleman's favorite salts is chocolate sea salt. She said it goes good in chili, brownies and burgers with its smoky flavor.

If you want to get fancy with cooking for your friends, try the Himalayan salt blocks. They can be used in the oven or on the grill, Coleman said.

"I feel like our products are basically an affordable luxury," she said. "It's something small you can buy in here for $5, and get something that really enhances your food and turns it into something special."

Coleman said they are excited to be downtown because of St. Pete's rebirth, and they want to be part of the growth the area is experiencing with new shops. Two challenges she said they have been experiencing is hiring and getting the word out about their location since it's not in plain view as a person drives along Second Avenue North by the Sundial.

Residents can get familiar with the store and its location during its three-day double celebration— grand opening and one-year anniversary — Friday through Sunday.

The open house event starts at 3 p.m. Friday, at 115 Second Avenue North, C102. It includes live musicians, samples of foods, promotions and a special chef guest. Mayor Rick Kriseman will be present at the ribbon cutting scheduled at 4 p.m. Friday.

A check presentation to Metro Inclusive Health of St. Petersburg will follow.

The first 20 guests each day will take home a free blend. Raffle tickets and surprise giveaways will be included during the celebrations. The event wraps up Sunday at 5 p.m.

Normal hours of operation are Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about the shop, visit its website here.