Our story
Hi! My name is Nicole Keats.
Thanks for visiting our site to learn more.
The inspiration
The inspiration for The Newfoundland Tea Company comes from my roots and a love for quality food and drink and all things NEWFOUNDLAND! I’m very proud of our home.
Summers at home
Although my parents are Newfoundlanders, I didn’t grow up here, but I always looked so forward to visits home in the summer. Some of my favourite childhood memories are of sitting at the table with Nan and Pop, drinking tea and always with a tin of Carnation milk nearby. It was an experience that always felt comforting and familiar.
2003 – 2023
When I moved to Newfoundland, I opened Freshwater Inn in Gambo and then Bistro on Roe in Gander, which I ran from 2003 to 2023. For 12 of those years, I also designed jewellery which I sold in shops across the island. Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to connect with so many people who shared my appreciation for great food, good company, and the little things that make life special.
2016
Newfoundland was England’s first colony which means for over 400 years, when you visited someone here on the island, a kettle was always on and you were always offered a cup. And yet, by 2016, trying to find a high quality cup of tea here was still rather difficult. Things were beginning to change and people began looking for healthier, tastier versions of the brands they grew up drinking.Tea felt like a natural next step for me.
The Newfoundland Tea Company
I wanted to offer something that could capture that same feeling of warmth and connection by providing my customers with high-quality yet unfussy teas that not only taste amazing but also celebrate Newfoundland’s rich culture and traditions.
And so, I opened The Newfoundland Tea Company.
A family business
What started as a passion project has grown into something much larger. We are a family business through and through. My daughter Rachel, who was my Bistro Manager is now my Manager of Operations and my son, Sam who used to be a Prep Cook, now helps us out when he’s home from school. Both of them have grown up learning what it takes to run a business, how to work hard and how to dream big.
Our shop
We now have a gift shop that features a wide variety of teas, vintage items, local and Canadian made goods and our customers experience a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The shop gives us the opportunity to share our story, introduce people to our unique blends, and create a space where folks can feel connected to Newfoundland, whether they are locals or just visiting.
Our teas
Our teas are carefully sourced from the best organic gardens around the world to ensure that every cup is clean, pure, and packed with flavour.
But at the heart of it, our tea is about savouring the moment and feeling connected, whether it’s to a place, a memory, or the people around you.
Home
Newfoundland is a rugged and breathtakingly beautiful province, known for its stunning coastlines, vibrant culture, and of course, its love of tea. The weather in Newfoundland can be harsh and unpredictable, with long winters and cool summers. But despite the challenges of the climate, the people of Newfoundland have always found comfort in a warm cup of tea, and the tradition of tea-drinking has endured to this day. At the Newfoundland Tea Co., we believe that a good cup of tea has the power to bring people together, to warm the heart and nourish the soul. Come visit us and experience the authentic taste of Newfoundland tea, inspired by the rich history and traditions of this special place we call home.
