Argo Tea on journey to increase tea's popularity
New store to open in Lewis Towers in mid-May
By: Gail Mansfield

"We're trying to do with tea what Starbucks did with coffee," says Arsen Arvakian, CEO of Argo Tea. "We're promoting a healthy lifestyle with fun and tasty tea-based drinks. It's an alternative to coffee shops."

Argo is on schedule to open its store in Lewis Towers, WTC, in mid-May. The shop is the Chicago-based company's third: the original store at Armitage and Sheffield avenues debuted in spring 2003, and the second location will open at State and Randolph streets in early May.

Named for the Jason-piloted ship made famous in ancient Greek literature, Argo "brings tea into a fresh light and changes the perception that it cannot be fun," says Arvakian. "That's a journey of discovery just as it was for Jason in the Mediterranean. Tea has its origins and cultural heritage in Europe and Asia-so our company is a very American concept with an international touch."

Argo's menu-identical across stores-includes a selection of black, healthy green or white, and natural herbal teas, served hot or iced. In addition, "Our tea specialty drinks include Teappuccino^TM spicy Chai Latte; energizing Maé Laté^TM fruity Tea Sangria^TM fizzy Tea Sparkle^TM indulgent Chocolate Mint; a variety of Smooteas^TM blended with fresh fruits and iced tea; and kids' favorite: Bubble Teas with milky tea and fun coconut gels," Arvakian says.

In addition, Argo offers pastries, desserts, snacks and a full menu of coffee drinks from the Italian company Illy (see sidebar below). The company also sells loose tea in bulk, as well as teapots, cups, infusers and other accessories.

Discounts, amenities target Loyola community

"We're coming to campus to be an amenity to the faculty, staff and student body," Arvakian says. "We're going to be a high-class operation, and we're counting on their support."

Argo already is participating in campus life by providing gift certificates and merchandise for Loyola organizations' auctions and other events, including Family Weekend, the employee Christmas party, Winter Wonderland and more. The company also is collaborating with offices and departments to host special events throughout the year.

Upcoming festivities include Loyola Tasting Day; International Tea Days; and a monthly Tea 101 seminar exclusively for Loyola faculty, staff and students. Watch campus bulletin boards for a listing of events after the shop opens.

In addition, Argo will offer a 10 percent discount for Loyola students, faculty and staff, as well as the Argo Club Card, a gift card that enables patrons to move more quickly through the line at Argo locations.

Besides offering Loyola discounts, Argo is designing its Lewis Towers store to be university-friendly, offering free high-speed wireless Internet service and furnishing the space with library tables. "We're keeping in mind that students and faculty will be our main customers," Arvakian says, "so we want everyone to feel comfortable sitting down to study and read." Shop hours will be 6 a.m.-11 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends.

Wayne Magdziarz, vice president for capital planning, says Argo is part of the "unique retail mix" Loyola is seeking to create in Lewis Towers. Hershey will open its candy and sweet shop in early June, and the third and final tenant is still under consideration.

"With all due respect to bankers and telephone companies, we wanted to avoid duplicating what you see in a typical retail strip," Magdziarz explains. At Argo, Loyola students and employees, area workers, and Michigan Avenue tourists and shoppers will find a "creative, exciting and independent business," while Hershey will provide a "well-known corporate name with a fun image," Magdziarz explains.

"We look forward to this unique addition to the Water Tower Campus," he adds. "Argo's local connections and entrepreneurial spirit will be a nice complement to Hershey on the first floor of Lewis Towers."

For details, contact Arvakian at 312-873-4123.