Brooklyn Tea Brings Caribbean Culture and Comfort to JFK Terminal 4

There's something poetic about Brooklyn Tea opening at JFK Terminal 4. For travelers departing to the Caribbean or arriving from the islands, the sight of the brand's vibrant storefront is more than just another airport kiosk, it's a homecoming. A reminder that no matter how far you fly, the flavors of home can always find you.

Brooklyn Tea, the beloved beverage brand rooted in Caribbean tradition and Brooklyn hustle, has officially landed at one of the world's busiest international terminals. And for co-founders Jamila and Alfonso 'Ali' Wright, this milestone is the culmination of years of hard work, cultural pride, and an unwavering belief that Caribbean flavors deserve a seat at every table, including 30,000 feet in the air.

From Family Kitchens to Terminal 4

The story of Brooklyn Tea begins where so many great food businesses do: in a family kitchen, with recipes passed down through generations. Ali Wright, grew up in a Jamaican household in Brooklyn, where tea wasn't just a beverage, it was medicine, ritual, comfort, and connection. Whether it was sorrel during the holidays, ginger tea to soothe an upset stomach, or seamoss for vitality, these drinks carried the wisdom of ancestors and the warmth of home.

When Jamila moved to Brooklyn, they found each other and decided to create the tea shop. They "wanted to create a space that celebrated the healing power of tea while reflecting the vibrancy of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn—where our flagship tea room now thrives".

What started as brewing batches for friends and family quickly grew into pop-ups at local markets, then a loyal customer base, and eventually a full-fledged brand. Brooklyn Tea became known for its authentic choices—black & pu-erh, green & white, oolong, and rooibos & herbal—crafted with real ingredients and no shortcuts. The brand embodied the intersection of Caribbean heritage and Brooklyn's entrepreneurial energy, and it resonated deeply with a community hungry for both.

A Connection to the Caribbean

Brooklyn Tea has always been more than a business, it's a bridge. For Caribbean immigrants and their children, the brand offers a tangible connection to the islands. It's the taste of Saturday mornings at grandma's house, of Christmas gatherings, of remedies that actually work. For non-Caribbean customers, it's an invitation into a rich culinary tradition often overlooked in mainstream American food culture.

The founders have been intentional about honoring that legacy. Every product tells a story. Sorrel evokes the festive spirit of Caribbean Christmas. Ginger tea speaks to generations of natural healing. These aren't just trendy wellness drinks, they're cultural artifacts, crafted with respect and care.

And now, with the opening at JFK Terminal 4, Brooklyn Tea is extending that bridge even further. Travelers heading to Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, and beyond can grab a taste of home before their flight. And those arriving in New York for the first time can experience a piece of Caribbean culture the moment they land.

Caribbean Excellence Takes Flight

The opening of Brooklyn Tea at JFK Terminal 4 is a powerful statement of Caribbean excellence claiming space in global commerce. In recent years, Caribbean entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and chefs have been reshaping industries and redefining what's possible.

Brooklyn Tea's arrival at one of the world's busiest international hubs is part of that legacy, a reminder that Caribbean culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship belong on every stage, in every terminal, and at every level of success.

The Taste of Home, Wherever You Go

JFK Terminal 4 serves over 21 million passengers a year, connecting New York to the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and beyond. And now, tucked between the gates and duty-free shops, there's a small storefront offering something airports rarely provide: soul.

Brooklyn Tea has arrived. And for the millions of travelers passing through, home just got a little closer.

Brooklyn Tea is now open at JFK Terminal 4. For more information, visit brooklyntea.com or follow them on social media @brooklyntea.

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