Our Mission

In 2002, husband and wife, Abdul Akdi and Jenna Eckert opened Mint Tea Imports, a retail import shop in Vancouver's Uptown Village neighborhood. A dream of Abdul's was a shop carrying handcraft, fairly traded goods from his homeland. Initially the quaint store was filled to the brim with personally imported Moroccan rugs, lanterns, furniture and drums, all a nod to his birthplace. The international buying trips made were equally important times to visit family and friends across the northern African countryside.

Over the years, taking direction from customer's requests, the retail store evolved supporting other fair trade importers from around the world as well as regionally sourced products that are not only good for us but for the environment too. Soy candles, Japanese incense, handmade jewelry, fair-trade art and locally produced skincare lines are some of our popular products. We are proud to carry items that are made from recycled materials, as well as being produced using sustainable practices.

In early 2008 Jenna and Abdul became serious about evolving their business once more. They bought the former Casa Grande restaurant building just two blocks down the street which was seen as the perfect spot to incorporate one of Jenna's dreams, a cafe, into their business.

Mint Tea now melds both the retail of the previous shop with fresh local foods. The focus on sustainable, local and organic is highlighted in a menu that features local, seasonal produce, breads and handmade meals.