Argo Tea eyes foreign expansion with first store outside the US
In a bid to emulate the success of Starbucks, Argo Tea has started to expand internationally by opening its first tea store outside the US. The specialty tea chain that currently operates almost 30 stores across the nation opted for Beirut, Lebanon. According to the CEO, Beirut was chosen as a gateway to the Middle East and more stores are expected to pop up in the region. The company is also looking to expand to Asia and Europe in the future. Since opening the first store in Chicago back in 2003, Argo Tea has tried to combine loose tea retail with tea-to-go à la Starbucks. The first foreign store will stay true to this concept, with an offer of 40 tea blends and more than a dozen signature drinks. Prepackaged sandwiches, salads and snacks will also be available.