Save Bantha Tea Bar!

In 2013, best friends Jack Ball and Brett Boye decided to turn the small plumber’s office at 5002 Penn Avenue into a tea shop. It took two years of renovations to turn that building into the cantina-like shop you walk into today; adding stucco walls, a mosaic-tile floor, and a DIY-assemblage style bar counter incorporating old trolley tracks and glass bottles. Open seven days a week, Bantha creates an inclusive environment, welcoming anyone and everyone who walks in for a cup of tea. The shop also hosts a variety of events, including live bands and DJs, comedy shows, poetry readings, and the occasional karaoke night. Over the years, Bantha Tea Bar has become a staple in the Bloomfield-Garfield community and the wider Pittsburgh region, acting as a third space for people all over the city. As Bantha approaches its ten-year anniversary, we find ourselves in a dangerous position. With the never-ending construction swallowing Penn Avenue and rising tariffs on our stock, Bantha is at risk of closing its doors for good. As the surrounding neighborhoods have seen a strong shift in demographics with many small businesses closing, Garfield is beginning to see a similar trend. With Brett and Jack being in the neighborhood for over 15 years they have been able to withstand a variety of challenges, and become a safe space for locals, immigrants, the LGBTQ community and many more. Jack, Brett, and all the baristas at Bantha want to continue serving the community for another ten years and beyond, but we need your support to keep going.

** CALL FOR ARTISTS: If you are willing to donate one or two pieces to be auctioned at the benefit event, follow this link and fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPydjXjKjOQO00gG7otLIHltpdR_pNfKcRltmAxvwjBaEaRQ/viewform?usp=preview **