Todd & Holland Tea Merchants Celebrates 50 Years in Forest Park

Owner Laurie Jackson shares the art of tea and the health benefits of various blends at the local shop.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Todd & Holland Tea Merchants, a family-owned tea shop in Forest Park, Illinois, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Owner Laurie Jackson is passionate about educating customers on the nuances of tea, from proper brewing techniques to the unique health benefits of different varieties. The store offers a wide selection of black, oolong, green, and herbal teas sourced from around the world, as well as tea-infused baked goods and mocktails.

Why it matters

In an era of chain coffee shops and mass-produced tea bags, Todd & Holland stands out as a community-focused, mission-driven business that has maintained its commitment to quality, education, and customer service over the past five decades. The shop's longevity is a testament to the enduring appeal of artisanal tea and the power of a local business to bring people together around a shared love of a timeless beverage.

The details

Todd & Holland Tea Merchants was founded in 1975 by Laurie Jackson's parents, who were passionate about introducing Forest Park residents to high-quality, loose-leaf teas beyond the standard teabag. Today, the shop's shelves are stocked with a diverse selection of black, oolong, green, and herbal teas sourced from around the world, including Jasmine pearls, Moroccan mint, and champagne raspberry. Jackson and her staff take pride in educating customers on proper brewing techniques and the unique health benefits of different tea varieties. In addition to traditional hot tea service, the shop also offers tea-infused baked goods and mocktails, further showcasing the versatility of this ancient beverage.

  • Todd & Holland Tea Merchants opened in the summer of 1975.
  • The shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The players

Todd & Holland Tea Merchants

A family-owned tea shop in Forest Park, Illinois that has been in business for 50 years, offering a wide selection of high-quality, loose-leaf teas and tea-infused products.

Laurie Jackson

The current owner of Todd & Holland Tea Merchants, who is passionate about educating customers on the art of tea and the health benefits of various blends.

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What they’re saying

“One thing we try to stress here is education and a lot of people focus on the tea ceremony. There are different types of ceremonies, but what they all have in common is that the point is to sit down, to stop, slow down, think very deliberately about what you're doing, about your day, about whatever it is that you want.”

— Laurie Jackson, Owner (forestparkreview.com)

“It was the tea that started the business. It outsells every single lot of our teas.”

— Laurie Jackson, Owner (forestparkreview.com)

What’s next

Todd & Holland Tea Merchants plans to host a 50th anniversary celebration at the shop this summer, featuring live music, tea tastings, and special discounts.

The takeaway

Todd & Holland Tea Merchants' longevity in Forest Park is a testament to the enduring appeal of artisanal tea and the power of a community-focused, mission-driven business to thrive in an era of mass-produced products. The shop's commitment to education, quality, and customer service has earned it a loyal following and solidified its status as a beloved local institution.