Panda Tea will feature a variety of teas from around the world. (Photo courtesy of Chris Thretipthuangsin)
The strip on Greenville Avenue near Lovers Lane that houses Pho is For Lovers, Yumilicious and Jersey Mike’s is adding Panda Tea, a tea shop that provides selections from around the world.
Manager Chris Thretipthuangsin, who is originally from Thailand, is part of a well-known Dallas culinary family. Thretipthuangsin’s brother Eddy is a Dallas chef better known as Eddy T, who ran PakPao and recently opened Sai Asian Bistro in Colleyville. Thretipthuangsin will be joined by co-manager Sam Saysanasongkham, who backpacked through Asia for two months in order to acquaint himself with tea culture.
Thretipthuangsin has worked in the restaurant industry his whole life, but this is his first independent foray. He says that Panda Tea will provide a wide variety of tea products, including loose leaf tea from Asia, Africa and Europe. The shop will have a tea bar served by “teatenders,” showcasing an array of traditional and innovative blends of  in-house tea.
Panda tea will have boba tea, hot and iced teas, as well as tea accessories and loose leaf teas to take home or give as gifts.
“It is a new trendy health alternative,” says Thretipthuangsin, who sees great opportunity to attract younger tea drinkers. “There is greater flavor selection with tea, and it is healthier than coffee. Boba tea can be a great option for a dessert alternative.”
He hopes to have three locations in the DFW area, but the location at 5521 Greenville Ave. will be his first location. He wants to open in late August as SMU students come back to school.
