Charleston’s deep-rooted colonial history and timeless Southern charm make it the perfect home for a company that honors the past one steeping cup at a time. Now that story takes on a new and exciting dimension with the grand opening of Oliver Pluff & Co.'s first-ever brick-and-mortar store located at 49 John Street just steps from historic Marion Square.

Oliver Pluff & Co. has quietly built a national reputation for crafting historically inspired teas, toddies, and early American coffee blends. Now for the first time locals and visitors alike can experience the brand’s full essence in a physical storefront that celebrates tradition, craftsmanship, and Charleston’s own role in America’s tea heritage.

A Store Steeped in History

Opening on May 29, 2025, the new store is more than just a retail space . It’s a tribute to the timeless ritual of tea and the stories that have surrounded it throughout American history. The shop offers a curated selection of Oliver Pluff’s signature products: loose-leaf teas, colonial-inspired coffee blends, artisanal drinkware, and thoughtfully assembled gift boxes.

Tea lovers will delight in browsing classics like Colonial Bohea, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and unique seasonal offerings such as Summer Toddy. Shoppers can also explore exclusive blends available only in-store including a rotating menu of premium high-end teas sourced from some of the finest gardens around the world.

More Than Tea — A Personal Passion

Behind the company is Darren Hartford a retired Air Force Major General who spent 28 years serving his country before shifting focus to a quieter but equally meaningful mission: preserving the art of early American tea culture. Hartford purchased Oliver Pluff & Co. in 2022 and has since expanded the brand’s reach by combining historical reverence with a modern appreciation for small-batch quality.

“At Oliver Pluff, we believe every cup tells a story,” Hartford shared at the ribbon-cutting. “Charleston is the perfect place to share those stories. This city’s role in American tea history is significant, and now we have a space where we can engage directly with the community — locals, visitors, and fellow tea lovers — in a more personal, hands-on way.”

Charleston was once the only colony to export tea to England and tea was central to social life in early America. Oliver Pluff’s presence in downtown Charleston feels less like a new beginning and more like a homecoming.

A Thoughtfully Designed Experience

The new store's interior reflects the brand’s commitment to heritage and elegance. The design features classic finishes, natural wood tones, antique-inspired displays, and historic imagery that ties the story of tea back to the American Revolution and colonial trade.

Plan Your Visit

Oliver Pluff & Co.’s store is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s ideally located for an afternoon stroll whether you're coming from the Charleston Museum, taking in the sights around Marion Square or enjoying one of the many nearby restaurants and cafés.

If you can’t make it in person the company’s full product line remains available online at oliverpluff.com where customers across the country can still enjoy these historically rich and beautifully packaged blends.

Final Sip

Oliver Pluff & Co. has always been more than a tea brand. It’s a storyteller a curator of colonial tradition and now with its first retail store a vibrant new gathering place in the heart of Charleston. This shop isn’t just selling tea; it’s inviting you to become part of a story that stretches back over 250 years.

So next time you're wandering through historic downtown Charleston follow the scent of spice, citrus, and steeped leaves to 49 John Street. Inside you’ll find a warm welcome, a taste of history, and a reminder that the past is never far away especially when it’s served in a cup.

Come visit Oliver Pluff & Co today at 49 John St!

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