Sojourn Tea Shop, a new tea-focused café and mercantile concept, is coming soon to 118 W. Vermilion Street in Downtown Lafayette.
Owned by Julia Bonaventure, Sojourn Tea Shop is designed as a hybrid tea café and retail mercantile. The space will feature approximately 40 varieties of loose leaf teas sold by weight, allowing customers to purchase tea to enjoy on site or take home. Guests will be able to order pots of tea and sit in a tranquil, intentionally designed environment that differs from the traditional high-energy coffeehouse model.
Sojourn Tea storefront
The shop will carry black, green, oolong, white, and herbal teas, with a focus on sourcing diverse selections from regions such as China, Taiwan, Japan, India, and beyond. Herbal offerings will include varieties like native yaupon, along with other globally recognized infusions. Within each tea family, Sojourn aims to offer depth and variety, encouraging customers to explore options beyond standard blends.
While tea is the primary focus, the shop will offer limited coffee options. However, there will be no espresso bar or boba program. Instead, guests can expect hot teas, tea lattes, two varieties of chai including a caffeine-free option, and dairy and non-dairy milk selections. Loose leaf tea will be available in customer-provided containers, shop packaging, or purchased vessels.
Provided image: photos by DK Hebert Photography
Additionally, Sojourn Tea Shop will lean heavily into its mercantile identity. The retail component will include handmade tea vessels, matcha and mate accessories, steeping tools designed for optimal brewing, antique tea sets, and curated pieces sourced from around the globe. The goal is to create a space where customers can both experience tea and build a collection to enjoy it at home.
The name “Sojourn” reflects the concept behind the space. A sojourn is a temporary stop while traveling, often with intention. The owners describe the shop as a place for cultural curiosity and mindful pauses—whether meeting a friend, hosting a small gathering, or simply stepping away from the rush of daily life.
Architecturally, the interior will preserve the building’s exposed brick and wood ceilings while replacing fluorescent lighting with warmer fixtures. The layout has been carefully planned to balance café seating with retail displays and functional brewing space.
As part of its early programming, Sojourn will host artwork for the upcoming ACA Student Art Expo during its soft opening phase. The shop also plans a limited iced tea menu during Festival International, pairing teas with select countries represented by festival performers, including offerings inspired by South Korea, Scotland, and South Africa.
Provided image: photos by DK Hebert Photography
Future workshops and events are also being planned within the tea shop.
Sojourn Tea Shop is expected to be fully built out and operational for Festival International, with the March 14 soft opening offering the public an early look at the concept.
They do have a website that is still under construction as well at https://sojournteashop.com . For updates, follow Sojourn Tea Shop on social media at fb https://www.facebook.com/share/18LA5bop86/?mibextid=wwXIfr and at IG https://www.instagram.com/sojourn.tea.shop?igsh=eTN6bWZlYTUyNGds.
Provided image
