One of the world’s best airport cafes is at YVR in Richmond
It’s no secret that matcha is making waves in the food and beverage scene, and in Metro Vancouver, it seems to be especially true. While you can find the addictive green beverage at cafes all throughout the Lower Mainland, there’s one that consistently makes people’s list of must-visit spots: Paragon Tea Room. Now, the fan-favourite tea room has received some recognition on a global scale.
“Our YVR location just won 2nd place GLOBALLY at the Airport Food & Beverage Awards in the Tea & Coffee category!” shared Paragon, adding that it’s the tea room’s first global nomination.
The tea shop received a “Highly Commended” award from the ceremony, but was beaten out for the top spot by T9 Premium Tea, located at Shanghai Pudong Airport in China.
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As for the criteria for the award, FAB takes multiple items into consideration when looking at cafes and tea shops, including coffee and tea quality, beverage variety, food offerings, service and efficiency, comfort and relaxation, innovation and trends, sustainability and ethical practices, and customer feedback and satisfaction.
“Coffee and tea shops are pivotal to every airport’s [food and beverage offerings],” explained the FAB Awards. “Whether it’s a big international brand, a small local coffee shop chain or a unique individual outlet, each has their part to play.”
“We’re still a little star-struck, but mostly incredibly honoured to be recognized for quality, innovation, and sustainability on the world stage of the FAB Awards in Barcelona,” added Paragon.
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Paragon operates two locations in Richmond, one at the airport and the other at 4328 Number 3 Rd. It also operated a location on Cambie Street in Vancouver, which closed earlier this year. However, the tea house did share with Dished that it has plans to open a new Vancouver location, just a block away from its previous spot, which is expected to open sometime in mid-September.
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Paragon also added that they can’t take all the credit for this exciting milestone, taking the time to thank both the staff who work at the airport location and all its customers.
“Thank YOU all for brewing our dreams together with us!” said Paragon. Whether you’ve been with us since our first location or have just started following our journey online, we appreciate you.”
Paragon Tea Room YVR
Address: Inside Vancouver International Airport Domestic Terminal Level 3 Before security — 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
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