BURLINGTON FREEPRESS
Dobra Tea will open a branch in Winooski — and will be spared the first year of rent in a new downtown building, developers announced Tuesday.
The Burlington-based tea shop out competed other proposals for the street-level spot at the four-story City Lights apartments at East Allen Street and Abenaki Way, Dagesse Company co-owner Jackie Dagesse told the Burlington Free Press.
Business at the new branch will likely open in July, as will the building’s 27 apartment units, Dagesse added.
Dobra Tea prevailed over three other viable contenders because of its solid business model, its successful, 13-year run at Bank and Church streets in Burlington and its “cozy, multi-cultural” aesthetic, Dagesse said.
“I can see people coming downstairs in their PJs on a Saturday morning for a cup of tea, and then maybe heading up to the rooftop deck,” she added.
Nina Beck, co-owner of Dobra, said the decision to extend business into the Onion City grew out of ongoing expressions of interest by locals and folks who work there.
Two summers ago Dobra tested the waters at the Winooski Farmers Market, and found demand strong, Beck said — and Waterworks restaurant is already a customer for Dobra teas.
“Winooski is a good fit for us, because of the diversity of the population there, and the diversity represented by our tea and food,” she said.
Development of City Light’s 463-square foot commercial and retail space is limited by the lack of means to install large-scale venting or range hood — but will suit Dobra, Beck said.
City Lights occupies the former site of the Cameron House, a historic residence that was moved in August to a new location in Burlington