The Spice & Tea Exchange

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The Spice & Tea Exchange

The Spice & Tea Exchange Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Specialty retail franchise offering a wide selection of spices, seasonings, teas, and gourmet gifts, providing a unique sensory shopping experience.

Established in 2008, The Spice & Tea Exchange swiftly adopted the franchising model within the same year to expand its distinctive concept across the nation. Dedicated to enhancing and sharing a more flavorful lifestyle, the company provides a wide array of spices, teas, and gourmet treats, encouraging customers to discover international tastes.

Based in Palm Harbor, Florida, The Spice & Tea Exchange has seen substantial growth, crediting its success to a blend of high-quality products and engaging customer experiences.

The brand's inviting store ambiance, knowledgeable staff, and interactive blending stations make each visit a sensory adventure. As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to its core values of quality, exploration, and community.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Franchise Fee – Single Unit $38,750
Establishment Fee $134,910 to $149,900
Seasonal Inventory Order $2,000 to $20,000
Construction/Build-Out, Tea Bar Equipment, and Other Dress-Out $104,000 to $238,000
Grand Opening Advertising $3,000 to $5,000
Professional Fees $500 to $3,500
Utility Deposits $250 to $500
Office Equipment $350 to $4,000
Rent and Security Deposits $1,800 to $10,000
Insurance (premium for first year) $1,000 to $3,500
State and Local Business Licenses, Permits and Filing Fees $500 to $4,000
Training Expenses $1,500 to $5,000
Additional Funds - 6 months $10,000 to $50,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment (excluding real estate and/or building purchase costs) $298,560 to $532,150
Type of Expenditure Amount
Franchise Fee – Single Unit $38,750
Establishment Fee $134,910 to $149,900
Seasonal Inventory Order $2,000 to $20,000
Construction/Build-Out, Tea Bar Equipment, and Other Dress-Out $104,000 to $238,000
Grand Opening Advertising $3,000 to $5,000
Professional Fees $500 to $3,500
Utility Deposits $250 to $500
Office Equipment $350 to $4,000
Rent and Security Deposits $1,800 to $10,000
Insurance (premium for first year) $1,000 to $3,500
State and Local Business Licenses, Permits and Filing Fees $500 to $4,000
Training Expenses $1,500 to $5,000
Additional Funds - 6 months $10,000 to $50,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment (excluding real estate and/or building purchase costs) $298,560 to $532,150

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

The franchisor offers a well-structured initial training program tailored for franchisees and their management teams.

Initial Training Program

The Spice & Tea Exchange franchise delivers an Initial Training Program overseen by seasoned professionals experienced in franchise retail and the spice and tea industry. This comprehensive program includes both classroom and hands-on training, covering all essential aspects of operating a franchise.

Compliance with Local Laws

Franchisees must be aware of and comply with additional training requirements mandated by their state or local authorities before opening their business. It is their responsibility to ensure adherence to these regulations, which may include specific training prerequisites.

On-Site Training

In addition to classroom instruction, The Spice & Tea Exchange offers on-site training provided by members of the corporate team. This Opening Team supports the store's launch, offering between 68 to 105 man-hours of practical, day-to-day operational training.

Territory Protection

The Spice & Tea Exchange franchise provides franchisees with a designated location, known as the "Site," situated within a "Protected Area" inside a larger "Market Area."

Typically, the minimum Protected Area covers a 1-mile radius from the center of the Site. In urban settings, however, the franchisor may choose a smaller radius or an alternative method to define the Protected Area.

As long as franchisees adhere to the Franchise Agreement, the franchisor commits not to establish or grant another franchise for a Store within the franchisee's Protected Area.

Competitors

Below are some of

The Spice & Tea Exchange

key competitors in the

Coffee & Tea

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

93

New
+
8%
8%

$38,750

$299,000

$532,000

n.a.

$487,000

$xxx,xxx

69.6%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Kahala Coffee Traders

Kahala Coffee Traders is a coffee shop franchise serving premium coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and baked goods, backed by franchisor support, extensive training, and efficient operational systems.

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$88,000 - $517,000

It's Boba Time

It's Boba Time is a beverage franchise specializing in bubble tea and other specialty drinks. With a diverse menu and a focus on high-quality ingredients, it caters to a wide customer base seeking unique and flavorful beverages.

Franchisees

?

76
+
62%
62%
Investment

?

$466,000 - $597,000

7 Leaves

7 Leaves Cafe is a beverage franchise offering a variety of teas, coffees, and specialty drinks. It focuses on using fresh ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create authentic flavors.

Franchisees

?

14
+
17%
17%
Investment

?

$244,000 - $490,000

Junbi

Junbi is a fast-casual beverage franchise specializing in matcha-based drinks. It combines traditional Japanese tea culture with modern flavors, aiming to provide health-conscious options in a contemporary setting.

Franchisees

?

5
+
150%
150%
Investment

?

$269,000 - $576,000

Black Rifle Coffee

Black Rifle Coffee Company is a veteran-owned coffee franchise that offers premium coffee blends. It targets customers who appreciate a patriotic brand identity and supports veteran causes through its business operations.

Franchisees

?

18
+
125%
125%
Investment

?

$1,594,000 - $3,314,000

Qargo Coffee

Qargo Coffee is a specialty coffee franchise focused on premium beverages and a modern, inviting café atmosphere, aiming to deliver high-quality coffee experiences.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$155,000 - $299,000