Jeff Chang is a Lower East Side resident and OG supporter of the Hester Street Fair who launched his new business at our fair last year. Similarly to many of the entrepreneurs we’ve worked with, Jeff was inspired by his community and was driven to a more creative calling than anything he had access to from his long-time career in finance. What was the creative calling? A purveyor of loose-leaf tea! Read Jeff’s story below and visit his beautiful and brand new tea bar, CHA & whenever you’re in the neighborhood.
1) What were you doing before Cha &?
Wall Street Investor
2) What inspired you to start your tea bar?
The shutting down of my favorite coffee shop where I used to meet up with my friends, go on dates, hang out, and work in a community-like space. Tea came by accident as I was hopping around coffee expos and someone had me try loose-leaf tea (vs. tea bag) steeped properly.
3) What got you to choose HSF as your first in-person market? (If I remember correctly, it’s because you are from the LES)
Yes, I live in the LES 5 minutes from Hester Street and have been to HSF for many years as a customer. HSF always has the most unique interesting, creative, and forward-thinking vendors in their market. Our new corner bar is 1 block north of the original Hester Street Fair location at Seward Park! We are on Grand & Essex directly across the street from the Seward Park Soccer Field / next to the old Hester Street Fair space.
4) What is your experience like at HSF?
Fun, energetic, cool vibes, with a lot of great neighboring businesses
5) Any special memories at the fair?
Every summer weekend, jamming to the DJ music, browsing all of the cool vintage vendors, and nibbling on all of the great food.
6) What product are you most excited to have people try?
All of our signature cold brew teas, honey lemon tea & tea lattes.
7) What would you say is the most interesting feature of the Cha & Bar?
Our people & our teas. You have to come to experience the bar for itself to know!
8) Tell us why you chose the name “Cha &”
“CHA” = tea in Chinese and is the original word for “tea”. “&” represents the open-ended connectivity between tea & people, tea & coffee, tea & food, etc.
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OPENING OF YOUR TEA SHOP!
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You can visit CHA & every day at 51 Essex Street, New York, New York 10002, from 8-6 pm.