Michael and Janice McCann moved to Juneau from Montana two years ago, looking to phase into retirement. Now they’re running two stores, almost by accident.
When the owners of the Red Onion — a specialty tea and spice shop in the Mendenhall Valley — decided to move away, the McCanns bought the store and started running it. Soon afterward, a spot opened in the Senate Mall on South Franklin Street downtown and other downtown business owners approached them about basically moving the Red Onion to that spot.
They decided to keep the Red Onion where it is, as a small community of people are regulars at the shop, and open a different store at the Senate Mall. Their friend Leslie Rubbo joined them, and the new store, Harbor Tea and Spices, was born. The shop opened June 17, but its grand opening is this weekend, with a First Friday event and an all-day Saturday opening.
The fresh name and logo are a nod to nostalgia. For Michael, whose father was in the Coast Guard and who grew up near the ocean before moving to Montana, the harbor brings back memories. The harbor also plays a vital role in the spice industry.
“This saltwater out here touches the shore of China,” Michael said, gesturing westward. “So there’s an implication, a historical connection with the old spice trade routes.”
The smell of herbs and spices now fills the Senate Mall, leading people to the small shop with yellow and blue walls. They have around 250 herbs and spices and 50 varieties of tea from all over the world, and have a few of their own herbal blends as well.
They’ll be adding more as the weeks and months go along, and Janice said she’s hoping to teach the community more about the benefits of tea and organic herbs in everyday life. Janice said Wednesday was one of their best days yet, and that the local reaction has been extremely positive.
For the summer, the shop is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Its grand opening this weekend will include tea tasting, treats from local baker Chef Stef and even a live radio broadcast Saturday afternoon. Its First Friday event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will have hors d’oeuvres and tea samples.
Rubbo, who has years of experience in retail from Toys “R” Us to restaurants, is particularly excited to collaborate with customers. She’s getting the shop’s social media pages up and running, and hopes to interact with shoppers online.
“We’re excited to engage with the customers,” Rubbo said. “We have social media going. If they hit it out of the park with one of these spices in a recipe, we want to post that.”
The co-owners are facing the challenge of splitting time between the two locations, but aren’t worn out yet. They spoke energetically about their new endeavor Thursday morning at the new store, excitedly showing off their new labels and new herbal blends.
The three of them clearly spend a great deal of time together, often finishing each other’s sentences as they explain how they’re handling running both stores.
“We’re just stretched in every direction,” Michael said.
“But the doors are open,” Rubbo interjected with a laugh.
“And people are loving it,” Janice said.
Know &Go
What: Harbor Tea &Spice grand opening
Where: Senate Mall, 175 S. Franklin St.
When: 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday
• Contact reporter Alex McCarthy at alex.mccarthy@juneauempire.com.
Leslie Rubbo, left, Janice McCann and her husband, Michael, have opened Harbor Spice and Tea in the Senate Building in downtown Juneau, on Thursday, July 6, 2017. Along with a bulk section, they have blended spices ready to go. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
