The Spice & Tea Exchange Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

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

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

Franchise fee

$38,750

Investment

$299,000 - $532,000

Revenue (AUV)

$487,000

20.9%

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

The initial investment required for a The Spice & Tea Exchange franchise is $299,000 - $532,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance 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

Below is The Spice & Tea Exchange's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

The Spice & Tea Exchange had 94 total units in 2025, of which 93 were franchised-owned and 1 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

The Spice & Tea Exchange

key competitors in the

Coffee & Tea

sector.

Franchise

New

7.00%

$299,000

$532,000

$487,000

n.a.

Parlay Cafe

$200K - $500K

New

n.a.

6.00%

$203,000

$459,000

n.a.

7 BREW

Over $500K

New

n.a.

4.5% to 7%

$887,000

$1,849,000

$2,358,000

16.3%

7 Leaves

$200K - $500K

New

17%

6.00%

$244,000

$490,000

n.a.

Junbi

$200K - $500K

New

150%

6.00%

$269,000

$576,000

n.a.

Mobile Coffee Company (Travelin’ Tom’s Coffe)

$200K - $500K

258

New

416%

$3,000 for years one and two; $4,000 for years three through six; and $5,000 for years seven through ten

$202,000

$255,000

n.a.

Front Porch Cafe

$100K - $200K

New

n.a.

6.00%

$189,000

$348,000

n.a.

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.