Kenyan/US Coffee Shop : Peak Coffee and Tea in the US News

New flavors at Billerica’s Peak Coffee Roaster and Tea Shop.

But a new name on the storefront is only the first change to the business. Kagunye said the tea selection has been updated as well, with 75 flavors available. Traditional Kenyan black tea and rooibas herbal tea are among the most popular flavors.

“In Kenya it’s (rooibas) used as a relaxer,” said Kagunye, who owns the store alongside his wife Roseanne.

Since opening more than a year ago, the store has seen some expansion into the area, with Whole Foods supermarkets in Bedford and Andover now carrying its products. Kagunye hopes to continue distribution to other Whole Foods locations, as well as Trader Joes. Kagunye cited that his coffee is entirely organic produced under the Fair Trade social movement, which provides greater profits to the farmers.

“Coffee is such that there are several layers of middlemen,” Kagunye said. “The farmers get paid peanuts.”

For those eager to try a new brew but unsure of which flavor to savor, Peak Coffee has the answer—a weekly tasting, held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kagunye said one of the goals of the business is to educate customers on coffee and tea varieties and preparation. He offers a free tea party service, where staff will come to a customer’s home to prepare and serve the tea, and dole out helpful hints as well.

“They get to learn about the beverage they love to much,” said Kagunye.

The staff at Peak Coffee Roaster are focused on community involvement on a global scale. The Kagunyes run an organization called Leaders of a New Generation, which works with young people to help them become effective community leaders. More information can be found at www.goodleaders.org.

“The whole idea is to blend what we do with inspiring the youth with being effective youth and community leaders,” said Kagunye.

For more about the Peak Coffee Roaster and Tea Shop, visit www.peakcoffeeandtea.com or call them at 978-663-2805.

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