Downtown Kenosha’s boutique scene gets a fresh addition on Thursday, Nov. 19, when Southport Tea opens a dedicated tea bar at its 5701 Sixth Avenue location. The ribbon‑cutting ceremony, hosted by the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 1 p.m., marking the first of two November milestones for the shop.
New Tea Bar Offers Freshly Brewed Selections
Owner Russ Collier, who launched Southport Tea in April 2026, says the bar will serve freshly brewed tea Wednesday through Sunday, giving shoppers a convenient way to enjoy a cup on‑the‑go or sit down for a moment of quiet. Opening offerings include the shop’s signature Kenosha Breakfast Blend black tea and a seasonal Berry Hearth herbal tea. A rotating weekend menu will add additional varieties brewed to order, and the bar will stay open until 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, to accommodate holiday shoppers.
Thanksgiving‑Weekend Pop‑Up Showcases Local Artist
From Nov. 27 to 29, Southport Tea will host a pop‑up featuring Kenosha artist Aaron Hunzinger, who works under the name AHdidit. Hunzinger’s handcrafted pieces—custom lighting, furniture, metal art, and leather goods—will fill the shop for three days. His light fixtures will also illuminate the storefront windows during the Lightin’ Up holiday weekend event downtown.
Hunzinger is a familiar face at the Kenosha Art Market and Hawthorn Hollow’s Walk in the Woods Art Fair. Visitors can browse his statement lighting, custom furniture, leather wallets and other one‑of‑a‑kind items while sampling tea and exploring the boutique’s gift selection.
Weekly Tea Tastings Begin Early December
Starting Dec. 5, Southport Tea will hold weekly tea‑tasting events. Tickets will be sold in‑store and online at SouthportTea.com. The gatherings give guests a chance to sample different tea varieties and learn more about brewing techniques, supporting both education and community connection.
Community Impact and Local Support
Collier emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow local businesses. “I’m excited to have Aaron and AHdidit at Southport Tea for Thanksgiving weekend,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase his creativity, support another local business, and welcome people into the shop.” The new tea bar and pop‑up align with downtown Kenosha’s broader effort to revitalize the area, offering residents and visitors a family‑friendly destination for quality products and cultural experiences.
Practical Details
Southport Tea’s address is 5701 Sixth Avenue, downtown Kenosha. For more information about the tea bar, the AHdidit pop‑up, and upcoming tasting events, visit SouthportTea.com. AHdidit can be followed on social media for additional updates on the artist’s work.
Original reporting: Kenosha.com — read the source article.
