THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE(R) COMES TO ILLINOIS WITH EVANSTON OPENING

On May 15, Dan Barton and Teri Barton, both 60, will have the honor of introducing Illinois residents to The Spice & Tea Exchange® (TSTE®). With the opening of The Spice & Tea Exchange of Evanston located at 1615 Sherman Avenue, the company Entrepreneur Magazine recognized as a top franchise will bring more than 140 spices and 75 exclusive hand-mixed blends, naturally-flavored sugars, salts from around the world and more than 30 exotic teas to Chicago’s North Shore suburbs.

After 16 years living in Connecticut, the Chicago-natives returned home to bring this new concept to an area near and dear to them. Dan Barton worked for 35 years in corporate finance and human resources and wife Teri was a professional chef.

“With our combined background in financing and food preparation, TSTE® made perfect sense,” said Dan Barton. “Starting your own business is exciting enough, but being able to pioneer a well known brand in a new market is an especially thrilling prospect for us.”

Primarily serving Evanston, Wilmette, Skokie, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Glenview and Niles, Dan Barton and Teri Barton will meet the growing demand for both spices and tea that have made them multi-billion dollar industries. But the couple will bring more than spices and tea to Evanston. As part of the 40-unit franchise famous for its unique 18th century trading post concept, TSTE® provides a welcoming environment that encourages experimentation with both traditional and exotic seasonings, with spices packaged by the ounce.

A recent Fox News report attributes much of the American spice boom to consumers’ demand for more flavorful dishes. This fact jibes with Teri Barton’s own experience as a chef.

“Many people tell us they are moving away from drinking coffee in favor of tea,” said Teri Barton, “and with the evolution of channels like the Food Network, people are doing more cooking at home and looking for ways to be more creative, using more quality ingredients. As more Americans introduce new spices and seasonings into their kitchens, we’re proud to be at the forefront of the movement.”

About The Spice & Tea Exchange:

Founded in 2008 by Clay Freeman, The Spice & Tea Exchange® was formed by a group of talented individuals with a passion for life and a passion for food. Their vision, to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, brought the 18th Century Trading Post concept to life, providing guests with more than 140 spices and 75 exclusive hand-mixed blends, naturally-flavored sugars, salts from around the world and more than 30 exotic teas. The Spice & Tea Exchange® currently has 40 locations across 24 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit https://www.spiceandtea.com/. For franchising information, visit http://franchise.spiceandtea.com/.