UWest Prepares Business Students for Business World

Lotuses are always blooming at University of the West. Sidath Kumar, a UWest MBA student, recently opened a tea room, T-Neer, in Sierra Madre. T-Neer opened its doors in June of 2014 to offer a variety of eccentric teas and tasty food to the local community. A rare known fact is that tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, after water, of course. Kumar and his family bring vast knowledge and experience to the local area tea market. Kumar along with his wife Aruna and daughter Araneya bring five generations of tea experience to Sierra Madre, extending back to Aruna’s great grandfather and his tea estate. Aruna’s grandfather was involved in the tea trade, and her parents had a tea shop in Sri Lanka.

T-Neer offers an array of loose leaf teas from Sri Lanka, India, China, Taiwan, and Africa, and patrons have a choice of 131 different kinds of white, green, yellow, Oolong, organic black, decaf, Pu-Erh, and herbal teas to choose from. T-Neer is also known for serving their teas in fine chinaware. The ambiance at T-Neer is inviting and relaxing, with comfy couches and restful sofa chairs. Free wi-fi and large tables make this a great place to work or study.

Kumar credits University of the West in Rosemead for providing him with the education he needed to pursue his tea business venture. “The courses in the MBA program at UWest helped me create a business plan,” said Kumar, who is set to graduate from UWest in the spring with an MBA in International Business.

T-Neer’s vast selection of loose leaf teas and quality food will have you returning for more. The three-tier special for two persons is a wonderful choice for lunch with a friend. It includes two pots of steeped loose tea leaves, hot or iced, along with sandwiches, mini scones, and a variety of desserts.
Salads and soups are also available, including grandma’s recipe of homemade lentil soup. Vegetarian options are also available.

According to Kumar, the most popular tea is the Coconut Chai – black tea, ginger root, cinnamon, shredded coconut, ginger coconut, and vanilla flavor. Additionally, T-Neer sells loose tea leaves by the ounce; gift certificates, gift baskets, and tea chocolates are also available for purchase.

T-Neer is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This wonderful tea room is located at 142 Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre. Come by and taste for yourself.

University of the West is located at 1409 Walnut Grove Avenue, Rosemead, CA. For more information, call (626) 571-8811 or visit www.uwest.edu.