When we took over a community icon in Columbus, Ohio, we quickly learned we had to reimagine what a tea house could be. We wanted to bring the art of loose-leaf tea and premium matcha to everyone. It became our goal to serve a clean, natural, and high-quality menu to our customers at affordable prices.

Spring 2025 marked the reset. The Matcha Mobile rolled out across Columbus. A three-wheeled mini truck. A smaller footprint. A tighter menu. A smoother flow. Less space created more focus. Fewer fixed costs led to better choices. The model finally matched the values.

That change opened space for deeper investment. Teas sourced directly from farms around the world. Ceremonial matcha from Isshiki. Wages are set above local barista averages. We invest time and money back into the neighborhoods we serve. Every decision moved closer to the cup and the people holding it.

Tea carries centuries of history and intention. Daily life moves fast and loud. ZC Tea lives between those truths. Whole leaf meets hot water. A quiet pause before the day begins. A shared counter. A familiar face. A steady rhythm that fits real schedules.

We wanted to build an experience that is steeped in the rich history of tea culture but still invites everyone in. We aimed to introduce the enchanting experience of steeping a whole loose leaf with a small amount of water into the daily morning ritual. And most importantly, we wanted to be steeped in the communities and neighborhoods that give so much to us.  

Each location reflects the block around it. No forced aesthetic. No gatekeeping. No script. The goal stays simple. Serve good tea. Show up consistently. Build places people return to.

Growth continues across Central Ohio. More matcha. More hojicha. More tea. (Yes, in some locations even coffee too). Always grounded in the same idea.

See you in the shop.