Happy Earth Tea

Happy Earth Tea is a loose-leaf organic tea shop in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood, located at the corner of Gregory and South Avenue. Founded in 2011 by Niraj Lama and Mary Boland, the business grew out of an earlier venture called Darjeeling Tea Exclusive, which Lama operated from his native Darjeeling, India starting in 2005. After the family relocated to Rochester in 2010, they launched Happy Earth Tea with a broader focus on organic teas from multiple growing regions. The company started at the Rochester Public Market, moved through a shared studio space, opened its first storefront in 2016, and relocated to its current larger space at 696 South Avenue in 2020.

Happy Earth Tea carries over 80 organic loose-leaf teas sourced from growing regions including Darjeeling, Nepal, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Their selection spans several categories:

• Black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong
• Pu-erh, yellow tea, and matcha
• Chai blends and herbal infusions
• Teaware including gaiwans and brewing accessories
• Tea education classes

All teas are packed by hand on-site in compostable pouches. The shop operates both a physical retail location with a tea service menu and an online store with carbon-neutral shipping.

Happy Earth Tea built its reputation on direct sourcing relationships with small farms across Asia, with an emphasis on organic certification and transparency about supply chains. The business is a longstanding member of 1% for the Planet, donating a percentage of sales to environmental organizations including Finger Lakes Land Trust and Climate Solutions Accelerator. In 2017, the shop received national attention when it was included on a list of top tea houses, drawing recognition to Rochester as a destination for traditional-style tea service.

The shop sits at 696 South Avenue on the corner of Gregory Street in the South Wedge, a walkable neighborhood lined with locally owned small businesses and specialty shops. Parking is available in private spaces adjacent to the Historic German House, with additional public lots and street parking nearby. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Mondays. The South Wedge location is wheelchair accessible and offers both dine-in tea service and takeout.