Luxe Tea
your passport to the world of tea
Luxe Tea is the world’s First Global Afternoon Tearoom
We are creating a Chicago tearoom that merges traditional British afternoon tea with customs and cuisines from countries around the globe.
Our Founder
Tiara Starks is the founder of Luxe Tea.
She is a former neuroscientist and forever champion for diversity and inclusion. This passion is what motivates her to redefine afternoon tea and create a fine dining experience where more people see themselves represented at the table.
Having grown up in the NW suburbs of Chicago and graduating from Northwestern University (BA) and University of Chicago (MA), it only felt right for her to bring this concept to the city. Chicago is a global destination that reflects the diversity of the business itself.
Our plans
Luxe Tea will offer afternoon tea service along with private guided tea ceremonies.
A rotating selection of menus will be offered to guests at each visit. Each menu adapts the tiers of the traditional afternoon tea tower to highlight the savory, bread, and pastry traditions of a new country, paired with teas beloved in that culture.
It’s afternoon tea, with a global flair. Instead of scones, cucumber sandwiches, and tarts served with black tea, an Indian tea might have roti, samosas, and gulab jamun served with masala chai. We’ll launch with menus honoring the US, Chile, and Trinidad and Tobago, with more added as we grow.
While still in the process of identifying our site location, our plan is to build an 80-seat tearoom in Chicago proper, beginning construction in summer 2027.
Newsworthy
Chef Cole Lawson Joins Luxe Tea
Chef Cole Lawson, a finalist on season 5 of Next Level Chef, is developing the savory and bread tiers of Luxe Tea’s American afternoon tea menu.
Community Funded
In June 2026, Luxe Tea raised over $6,000 in community funds in a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Award-Winning Cultural Advisors
Luxe Tea is committed to representing each country authentically. A board of cultural advisors guides the representation of each culture. Our board includes a university professor in Chile, a tea manufacturer from Trinidad and Tobago, and a James Beard Award-winning culinary historian and author.
“i’m super excited and honored to be a part of this.”
-Chef Cole Lawson
“I want to build a space where people can connect with those they love and experience the world together in an accessible and authentic way.”
-Tiara Starks, Founder of Luxe Tea
Our values
Sustainability
The planet is important to us. We’ll be implementing practices like plastic-free prep and service, clean energy, composting, and local sourcing.
Authenticity
We want communities to be able to tell their own stories. That’s why we assembled a board of cultural advisors so that each country can share their traditions in their own voice.
Dignity
It’s important to us that everyone who works for Luxe Tea thrives. We’ll be implementing full living wage salaries with benefits and a gratuity-free pricing structure, so our staff’s livelihood isn’t dependent on the generosity of guests.
Access Media Assets
Downloadable founder, product, and team pictures
For more information, email press@luxeteachicago.com