Amanda H., Rebecca P., Christina G., and Jennifer V. with the David Rio crew at Chai Bar by David Rio

San Francisco-based David Rio was founded in 1996 by David Scott Lowe and Rio Miura and has grown to become a market leader in premium chai products around the world. With a strong following in Asia, Europe and Mexico David Rio has partnered with Houston’s to increase brand awareness and availability here in the United States. Over the past three years, David Rio has grown to become a valued Houston’s partner.

Members of our Management Team recently visited David Rio to introduce President Jennifer Vigil and Purchasing Manager Amanda Hackathorn to the David Rio team and to learn more about the David Rio product line at “Chai Bar by David Rio.” The specialty cafe focuses on premium chai drinks and other treats. “Chai Lab” is located in the back corner of the cafe, and offers customers a chance to try new products or taste recipes that are in development, and give immediate feedback.

Our team got to taste key products from David Rio’s Endangered Species Line®, including Tiger Spice, Elephant Vanilla, Orca Spice, and their new White Shark. Through their commitment to animal welfare, David Rio supports the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), The Greater Farrallones Associations SPCA, the local humane society, and Cat Tales Zoological Park in Mead, WA. It was through Cat Tales that David Rio adopted and funded the support for a Bengal Tiger, named Thor, in 1997. He became the inspiration behind the Endangered Species Line® and the face of David Rio Tiger Spice Chai. With Thor’s passing in 2014, David Rio decided to adopt and support his brother, Atlas.

With Chai Lab’s primary purpose being to gather feedback on new and developing recipe, the team was introduced to a multitude of spicy versus sweet chai offerings.

David Rio’s dairy-free, vegan “Power Chai” is made with Japanese Matcha and black tea, and combines bold tastes and traditional flavors with the antioxidants of the matcha. Both the Cub Chai Original and Cub Chai Super Concentrates offer more spicy alternatives via the true Masala-method of chai preparation.

The newest David Rio product, Turmeric Golden Latte is a soothing blend of turmeric, cinnamon, and spices. It can be prepared on its own, or in combination with Tiger Spice for a great sweet and spicy balance.

We appreciate David Rio’s commitment to their customers, their employees, and both the local and global communities. We take pride in working with vendors, like David Rio, who keep their carbon footprint in mind, and give back to support the world around them.

If you are ever in San Francisco, we encourage you to stop by Chai Bar for a chai and tasty snack!