The Cupbearer Debuts Coffee and Tea Outfitter Concept

The Cupbearer Coffee and Tea Outfitter, a metro-Atlanta based coffeehouse retailer, has recently opened a store in Cumming, according to the company.

The multi-source coffee and tea store, a first for the retailer, has been quietly open since March. Although, they are only now more publicly announcing their arrival to the area, which is thick with competition, "Chief Cupbearer" Anthony Miller told Patch.

"There is actually quite a story brewing - pun intended - in the five mile radius that includes exit 13 and exit 14. As you know there are three Starbucks locations at these two exits," he said. "What you may not know is that the Ronald Reagan Starbucks and the Marketplace Blvd Starbucks are the top producing locations in the chain’s district. Add in Dunkin Donuts, the new Panera, and us, and you have quite a coffee battle."

But, according to Miller, Cupbearer is unique in that they sell accessories and equipment, as well as serve and sell coffee from various award-winning micro-roasters, as well as over 30 loose-leaf teas from multiple distributors.

"Coffee and tea lovers want to find their perfect drink. But major chains only offer their own brands," Miller said in a statement. "Artisan roasters are doing amazing things out there. We scout them and other suppliers for the best beans, teas, and gear our customers can experience."

Chicago-based Metropolis Coffee, a perennial winner of coffee awards nationally and regionally, will be one of the store's suppliers and is the first location to carry and serve the roaster's beans in Georgia, according to a press release.

"The [Cupbearer] model makes sense," said Tony Dreyfuss, owner of Metropolis Coffee. "People want to taste a wider variety."

The concept store will be a coffeehouse that serves coffee, tea and specialty drinks. But also includes "cuppings and classes" to help customers make their perfect drink at home.

"Do-it-yourself has already come to in-home gyms and home theaters," said Miller. "We see a bright future in outfitting home coffee bars and are looking to add locations and suppliers that fit our concept."

The store will be located near Lake Lanier at 543 Lakeland Plaza in Cumming. New hours begin next week: Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and closed Sundays. For more information about The Cupbearer Coffee and Tea Outfitter, visit The Cupbearer's Facebook page.