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

Tom n Toms Coffee

Tom n Toms Coffee is a café franchise offering espresso drinks, pretzels, breads, and light bites, serving students and urban professionals, and known for spacious cafés, extended hours, and a Korean coffeehouse heritage.

Franchisees

?

12
+
71%
71%
Investment

?

$370,000 - $487,000

Feng Cha

Feng Cha is a tea café franchise offering handcrafted milk teas, fruit teas, and desserts, serving tea lovers and social café guests, and known for creative toppings, seasonal menus, and modern, photogenic store designs.

Franchisees

?

72
+
188%
188%
Investment

?

$194,000 - $512,000

illy

illy is a premium café franchise offering espresso beverages, coffee, pastries, and packaged products, serving coffee connoisseurs and travelers, and known for Italian espresso heritage, design-driven cafés, and consistently high-quality blends.

Franchisees

?

17
+
31%
31%
Investment

?

$402,000 - $2,006,000

Ding Tea

Ding Tea is a bubble tea franchise offering milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty drinks, serving boba enthusiasts and casual café guests, and known for customizable sweetness, premium teas, and an international brand footprint.

Franchisees

?

135
+
16%
16%
Investment

?

$195,000 - $324,000

Qahwah House

Qahwah House is a specialty coffee shop franchise offering authentic Yemeni coffee, baked goods, and café experiences, serving coffee enthusiasts and communities, and known for premium sourcing, cultural heritage, and welcoming hospitality.

Franchisees

?

18
+
500%
500%
Investment

?

$573,000 - $939,000

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