In a groundbreaking moment for the beverage industry and Black entrepreneurship, Brooklyn Tea has officially opened a new storefront in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4. This significant launch not only broadens the reach of the beloved Black-owned specialty tea company but also establishes it as the first Black-owned tea brand to operate within any airport across the United States.
Co-founded by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Jamila Wright (née McGill) and Alfonso “Ali” Wright, Brooklyn Tea has been a beacon of culture, comfort, and community since its online inception in 2017 and the opening of its first brick-and-mortar tea room in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in 2018. Their mission has always centered on making high-quality tea accessible, especially to communities often excluded from wellness spaces.
A Historic Retail Win at JFK
The grand opening at JFK Airport Terminal 4, celebrated on January 30, 2026, is a testament to the Wrights’ dedication and perseverance. This achievement is part of a 10-year licensing deal with HMSHost, a leading provider of food and beverage services for travelers. Travelers passing through one of the world's busiest international hubs can now enjoy Brooklyn Tea’s curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas, pyramid sachets, and ready-to-drink beverages. The airport location features 11 exclusive tea varieties, offering both energizing caffeinated blends and calming, non-caffeinated options tailored to the diverse needs of global travelers.
“Brooklyn Tea, in partnership with JFKIAT and HMSHost, will become the first Black-owned beverage brand in any airport in the country, and we are honored to be a part of this history and represent what's possible when diverse businesses are given the opportunity to lead,” said Jamila and Alfonso Wright. This sentiment underscores the broader impact of their success, paving the way for more inclusive representation in the travel retail sector.
Expanding National Footprint and Wellness Mission
Beyond its new airport outpost, Brooklyn Tea continues to expand its national footprint. The brand boasts flagship tea rooms in its hometown of Brooklyn, New York, and in Atlanta, Georgia. Furthermore, Brooklyn Tea products are available nationwide in major retail chains such as Target and Wegmans, ensuring that their high-quality, transparently sourced teas reach a broad audience of wellness-focused consumers.
The company offers an extensive collection of over 50 premium loose-leaf options, including black, green, oolong, white, herbal, and rooibos varieties. These selections are not just about taste; they embody a commitment to wellness and self-care, core tenets of the Brooklyn Tea philosophy. Alfonso Wright, a certified tea sommelier, often emphasizes the health benefits and ritualistic aspects of tea, a practice deeply rooted in his Jamaican heritage.
A Community-Driven Approach to Growth
From its inception, Brooklyn Tea has prided itself on fostering a sense of community. Its tea rooms serve as inviting spaces for connection and education, where customers can explore the diverse world of tea. The brand's commitment extends to social impact, providing free tea and education to non-profits, offering their spaces for grassroots organizing, and awarding scholarships to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The strategic expansion into JFK Airport, facilitated by a program designed to integrate local and diverse businesses into the airport's concession ecosystem, highlights a growing recognition of the value that authentic, community-driven brands bring to larger commercial environments. This move not only elevates Brooklyn Tea’s visibility on a global stage but also champions the idea that diverse businesses can thrive in mainstream retail, setting a precedent for others to follow.
As Brooklyn Tea continues its upward trajectory, its success story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how a passion for quality, community, and cultural heritage can lead to significant retail achievements and national recognition in the competitive functional beverage market. With its expanded presence, Brooklyn Tea is not just selling tea; it’s sharing a ritual, a culture, and a legacy with the world.
Sources
- Brooklyn Tea Takes Flight at JFK Airport - BKReader
- Brooklyn Tea Launches First Black-Owned Tea Store at JFK Airport | BuyBlack.org
- About Brooklyn Tea
Support Black-Owned Brands
Order spirits, wine, and more — delivered to your door.
Shop on Bottl.Service →