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It's a balmy Bangalore afternoon on July 4th, 2003. The air is thick with anticipation as a small, unassuming storefront on Cunningham Road opens its doors for the first time. The aroma of freshly brewed exotic teas wafts onto the street, drawing curious passersby. Little did anyone know that this modest beginning would bloom into a two-decade love affair between a city and its favourite tearoom.
For 21 years, Infinitea has been more than just a place to grab a cuppa. It's where friendships have been forged over steaming pots of Oolong, where business deals have been sealed with handshakes and the clinking of delicate china, and where countless Bangaloreans have found solace in the perfect brew on rainy afternoons.
Today, as we celebrate 21 years of Infinitea, it feels like the perfect moment to take a walk down memory lane and explore the milestones and stories that have transformed your beloved tearoom into the culinary destination it is today.
Back in 2003, driven by a passion for tea and a vision for something different, Gaurav Saria, the owner, tea master, and chef at Infinitea, embarked on a remarkable journey. His quest was to create a space where people could come together, unwind, and experience the magic of tea in a way they never had before. This leap of faith culminated in the opening of the very first Infinitea store at Cunningham Road. Success followed swiftly. By September 2008, Infinitea had established its own bakery, ensuring an endless supply of fresh, delicious treats to complement its exquisite teas.
December 2013 marked a pivotal moment – the opening of the Indiranagar store. This expansion not only solidified Infinitea's presence in Bangalore but also cemented our status as India's first tearoom chain. In the same month, Gaurav's dedication to his craft led him to train with the world-renowned Chef Willi Willson.
September 2020 saw the launch of a line of Kombucha, reflecting our commitment to exploring new avenues in the world of beverages.The most recent milestone came in March 2022 with the launch of our catering service. This expansion caters to a clientele seeking to recreate the Infinitea magic at their own events.
Each of these milestones represents not just the growth of a business, but the fruition of a dream – a dream to elevate the tea experience and establish Infinitea as a premier destination for both casual indulgence and sophisticated dining.
In its initial avatar, Infinitea was meant to be a haven for tea lovers, offering a wide variety of brews and a cosy ambience perfect for a quick cuppa and a chat. But Gaurav's vision wasn't limited to creating a simple café. He recognised the potential for tea to be more than just a beverage; it could be the cornerstone of a fine culinary experience.
This realisation, coupled with Bangalore's evolving restaurant scene, spurred Infinitea's gradual shift towards high-end dining. The menu expanded to include delectable dishes that complemented the tea selection perfectly. Gaurav's training with Chef Willson further amplified the culinary offerings, introducing new techniques and flavour profiles.
This metamorphosis wasn't just about the food; the ambience too, evolved. Soon, Infinitea carved a unique niche for itself, becoming a culinary destination where guests could indulge in a complete sensory experience – a marriage of exquisite teas, flavourful cuisine, and a curated ambience.
At the heart of Infinitea's success are its founder, Gaurav Saria, and his wife, Deeksha. Their vision and passion have been the driving force behind the restaurant's evolution and continue to inspire its future.
Gaurav reflects on the early days: "I wanted to do something different with my life, and since there was no other tearoom open at that time, we decided to open the first tearoom in India. I wanted to create a new category, and since nobody had opened a tearoom in India before, that was my inspiration – being the first mover in a new category."
Looking to the future, Gaurav's ambition is clear: "I plan to keep taking it to newer and newer heights, pushing the envelope as far as food and beverage are concerned. Our goal is to give customers better experiences, hopefully making Infinitea one of the best restaurants this country has ever produced."
Deeksha shares her perspective on the journey: "It's incredible to see how Infinitea has evolved from being a café to a full dining restaurant. The food has elevated a lot, keeping pace with what the Bangalore restaurant scene is today. The journey has been beautiful, and I hope it continues to get better and better. The best is yet to come. And thank you, Bangalore, for accepting Infinitea."
Infinitea's success isn't just measured in years or milestones but in the hearts of its loyal patrons. We reached out to some long-time customers to hear their thoughts on what makes Infinitea special.
Jigar Vora, who works in events and experiences, values the atmosphere Infinitea creates: "A hot cup of tea and some really good food – that's what draws me in. But beyond that, I think it has always been a great place for conversations."
For Kaustav Bhattacharyya, an entrepreneur and columnist, Infinitea offers more than just great food and drink: "For me personally, it's a place where you can sit with a pack of books, lay them out, and do some writing. It's very quiet, not noisy, and the music is gentle and nice. It's become my second office, a place where ideas flow as freely as tea."
Neel, a software developer and tea enthusiast, appreciates the unique offerings: "The varieties of teas available at Infinitea aren't found in most other places. We've experienced teas like peppermint and chamomile – things we would have seen on TV but never actually tried ourselves. It's like a journey through the world of tea in one place."
As we raise our teacups to toast these 21 years, we are grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for tea with you. We look forward to continuing to brew new experiences, introduce innovative flavours, and foster a welcoming space for tea lovers of all kinds.
So, here's to many more years of exceptional teas and warm memories. The best is truly yet to come.
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Write to us at assist@infiniteaoriginals.com