Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

These Atlanta malls lose with Starbucks’ plan to kill tea stores

Despite being part of Starbucks, Teavana, known for its premium loose-leaf teas, had retained its corporate headquarters in Buckhead.

Credit: AJC

Credit: AJC

Despite being part of Starbucks, Teavana, known for its premium loose-leaf teas, had retained its corporate headquarters in Buckhead.
By Matt Kempner
July 31, 2017

Seven metro Atlanta malls will get hit by Starbucks' announcement that it is closing a chain of tea stores it bought just five years ago. 

Starbucks paid $620 million in 2012 for Teavana, a deal that paid off big for an Atlanta couple that built the retailer from scratch. Local stores that will be closing include ones in Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Cumberland Mall, Perimeter Mall, Mall of Georgia, Northpoint Mall and Town Center at Cobb.

It turns out tea apparently wasn't Teavana's problem. Find out more in my latest Unofficial Business column on MyAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

A South Fulton police officer was injured when he was struck by a vehicle Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Details are limited, but officials confirmed the officer was injured around 7 a.m. while helping drivers involved in an earlier crash. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

South Fulton officer ‘fine’ after being struck by vehicle, flown to hospital

South Fulton police said one of their officers was struck by a vehicle Thursday morning. Details are limited, but officials confirmed the officer was injured around 7 a.m.

14m ago

Gas line damaged after NW Atlanta car crash near King Plow Arts Center

Crews are working to turn off gas so they can make repairs at the site off West Marietta Street.

Flags lowered to half-staff for fallen DeKalb firefighter’s funeral

Following the service at Truist Park, a cemetery procession will travel to Kennesaw Memorial Park, affecting traffic in Marietta from 3:30-5 p.m.

2h ago

The Latest

A South Fulton police officer was injured when he was struck by a vehicle Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Details are limited, but officials confirmed the officer was injured around 7 a.m. while helping drivers involved in an earlier crash. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

South Fulton officer ‘fine’ after being struck by vehicle, flown to hospital

14m ago

Flags lowered to half-staff for fallen DeKalb firefighter’s funeral

2h ago

Fall allergies are flaring up. What can you do?

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Metro Atlanta consumers grapple with higher prices on food, other goods

Inflation recently reached its highest level this year, with prices increasing for food, housing and other necessities.

Raffensperger, who rebuffed Trump in 2020, runs for Georgia governor

He was the Republican who told Donald Trump no. Now the secretary of state is telling Georgia voters he wants to be their next governor.

South Georgia football coach resigns after 0-5 start

Wayne County’s John Mohring resigned Tuesday afternoon, becoming the third GHSA football coach to step down since the season began.