By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On June 20, Loka Leaf Tea Lounge — located at 76 Albany St., Cazenovia — reopened for business after closing its doors a month earlier.
Owner Mark Biviano opened the teahouse on the corner of Albany and Mill Streets in 2015 with the intention of one day buying the building.
After several years of renting the first floor space, Biviano approached his landlord, Richard Raiford, about making the purchase.
According to Biviano, the owner declined his offer.
Unwilling to continue renting the space, Biviano made the decision to close his business and vacate the property.
“It was really stressful for us in May,” he said. “We literally closed our doors. We had a going-out-of-business sale and shut down.”
It was not until nearly everything in the teashop — including the kitchen appliances and equipment — had been removed that Biviano’s offer was accepted.
“Because I moved out, it forced him to make a decision to sell or not,” Biviano said. “It’s really big news for us that we were [finally] able to acquire the building.”
Loka Leaf reopened following the receipt of a commitment letter from Raiford stating his intention to sell.
The sale officially closed last month.
“I think it’s wonderful that Community Bank came through with the mortgage,” Biviano said. “I really want to thank them for supporting us so that we could stay in business.”
Loka Leaf Tea Lounge offers a wide selection of loose-leaf teas from around the world, as well as interesting tea sets and accessories, baked goods, soups, sandwiches and other light food options. The shop also hosts a number of tea tasting and pairing events throughout the year.
According to Biviano, the teashop — which currently employs two Cazenovia High School students — is here to stay.
“This is my wife’s business plan and her passion,” he said. “She has a full time job and she expects that once she retires, this is something that she will really enjoy doing.”
Loka Leaf is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call 315-815-4441 or visit facebook.com/Loka-Leaf-Tea-Lounge.
