Watch for Southport Tea to open Spring 2026 in the former S.J. Crystal's building at 5701 6th Avenue!
If you’ve ever stopped by the Kenosha Public Market, you’ve probably noticed the crowd gathering around a certain booth — drawn in by rich aromas and the warm energy of the man behind it, Russ Collier of Southport Tea.
Russ isn’t just serving tea; he’s serving connection. He’s one of the kindest and most humble people I’ve met — and I’m proud to call him a friend. He’s also a fan of the Ktown Connects Podcast, which I co-host, and I’ve been following his journey from his early days at the market to now — when he’s about to open his first brick-and-mortar shop in Downtown Kenosha.
Southport Tea is moving into the former S.J. Crystal’s building at 5701 6th Avenue — a historic downtown spot that has long been a symbol of craftsmanship and care. After decades of running his menswear store, Lewis Aceto of S.J. Crystal’s is retiring, and Russ has purchased the building to give it a new life while honoring its legacy.
We sat down for a conversation that ranged from the first cup of tea that changed everything, to the joys of the Kenosha Public Market, to what’s brewing next in the heart of downtown.
Q: Tell us a little bit about how Southport Tea started.
Russ: It really began as a hobby. I’ve always loved tea — it’s relaxing, simple, and has this amazing ability to connect people. After 25 years in the financial technology world, I realized I wanted to do something slower-paced, something that made people smile. In 2024, I started selling tea at the Kenosha Public Market, and the community response was incredible. That experience made me realize there was room for something like Southport Tea to grow right here in Kenosha.
Q: What inspired you to take the leap and open your own shop?
Russ: A lot of inspiration came from listening to the Ktown Connects Podcast. Hearing local business owners share their journeys — the ups, downs, and everything in between — made me realize ordinary people here in Kenosha were doing extraordinary things.
Q: Do you have an idea of when you’ll officially open your doors?
Russ: It’s not an April Fool’s joke! My goal is a soft opening by April 1, 2026, but hopefully sooner in Spring 2026 if the build-out goes smoothly. We’d like to have a grand opening in mid or late April to be ready for Mother’s Day, which is a big tea gifting day.
Q: Moving into the former S.J. Crystal’s building is a big step. How did that come about?
Russ: Yes, it’s a historic downtown spot at 5701 6th Avenue. Lewie, who has been a well-known fixture downtown for decades, was retiring, and I had the chance to purchase the building. I felt it was important to carry forward the legacy of a business that has meant so much to this community.
Q: Did you speak with Lewie before making the move?
Russ: Absolutely. Getting Lewie’s blessing was really important to me. I wanted him to feel confident that the building would be in good hands and that its history would be respected. Lewie was incredibly supportive and encouraging — he even shared stories about his father Sam and the early days of S.J. Crystal’s, which I’ll honor with a photo wall in the shop.
This photo and the photo on top of the page were taken by Sam Vaughn Photography.
Q: What can visitors expect when they step into Southport Tea?
Russ: We’re creating a warm, welcoming space — calm, comfortable, and personal. Over 150 varieties of loose-leaf tea, from black and green teas to herbal, oolong, rooibos, and custom blends. Plus, local honey, handmade pottery, and small-batch products from other local makers. Sniffing jars are a must — you can smell each tea before buying.
Q: How do you go about choosing and blending your teas?
Russ: I prioritize simple, natural ingredients and organic options whenever possible. For single-origin teas, I include the garden and region on our packaging. Our house blends use simple, organic herbs, some for flavor, some for visuals. Blends come from personal taste, customer requests, or inspiration from other tea shops. And everything passes my wife Maggie’s critical taste test before it goes on the shelf.
“The little details — from the leaf to the steep — are what turn a good cup into a great one.”
Q: What are some fan favorite blends?
Russ: Our Kenosha Harbor Blend — lavender, chamomile, and butterfly pea flower is our number one seller. It brews a beautiful blue-green color and tastes like the lake, only better! Other favorites include Raspberry Green Tea and our Quiet Time blend, a peppermint & rose herbal tea.
Q: What’s your personal favorite tea and how do you like it?
Russ: Right now, it’s white tea from Nepal, delicate, flowery, lightly coating the mouth, and full of antioxidants. I like it hot and unflavored, perfect for any time of day.
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Q: What goes into making a really good tea?
Russ: Quality leaves, proper storage, and correct brewing. Water temperature and steeping time are crucial — oversteeped black or green teas become bitter. Herbal teas, or tisanes, can steep longer. All our packages include recommended steeping times for simplicity.
Q: How should tea be stored?
Russ: Keep leaves cool, dry, and away from sunlight. Our resealable, windowless bags maintain freshness for over a year. Loose leaf tea is better than bagged tea — stronger flavor, no microplastics, and compostable packaging!
Q: Will Southport Tea host events or tastings?
Russ: Absolutely. Weekly “Tea Talk” sessions will allow people to sample blends and learn their origins. Monthly cuppings, like wine tastings for tea, are planned. We’ll also have Saturday tea times, special guest demos, kid-friendly events, and traditional tea ceremonies.
Q: How does tea fit into your daily routine?
Russ: Coffee first thing in the morning, then black tea mid-morning. Evening? Herbal or white tea to unwind. Tea is a ritual and a connection to the moment.
Q: What do you love most about the Kenosha community?
Russ: The warmth and support are unmatched. People care about the business and the people behind it. That pride and connection keep me inspired.
“Tea has a way of connecting people in a way that nothing else can — that’s what I love most about what we’re building here.”
Q: What excites you most about this next chapter?
Russ: Having a space to display and share this library of teas. Drinking tea is about the aroma, the process, the experience. I can’t wait to share it with both seasoned tea drinkers and beginners.
Q: Where do you see Southport Tea in five years?
Russ: Perhaps a café collaboration to serve tea alongside finger foods and expand the experience. Long-term, I hope it remains a hub for tea, learning, and community.
Q: What does success look like to you?
Russ: Sitting on the granite bench in front of the shop, sipping my mid-morning tea, watching people connect on 6th Avenue, and knowing we’ve created something meaningful.
As our conversation wraps up, it’s clear that Southport Tea is about more than just loose leaves and steeping times, it’s about community, connection, and creating something meaningful. Russ Collier’s kindness, drive, and passion for tea shine through in every word, and his dedication to honoring the history of the former S.J. Crystal’s building while cementing his own legacy in downtown Kenosha is truly inspiring.
Much like Lewie did for decades before him, Russ is creating a space where people can gather, slow down, and enjoy the simple joys of life — one cup at a time. With his meticulous attention to detail, his love for sharing the world of tea, and his welcoming spirit, there’s no doubt this shop will be a cornerstone of downtown for years to come.
Along with myself and the community, we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way — ready to sip, savor, and support this exciting new chapter. From fragrant brews to cozy conversations, Southport Tea promises to steep itself into the heart of Kenosha, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch it bloom.
After all, it’s not just tea — it’s tea-riffic and steeped in history!
Stay Connected With Southport Tea!
Opening Spring 2026 in the former S.J. Crystal’s Building!
Then you’ll be able to visit Southport Tea at 5701 6th Avenue in Downtown Kenosha.
Follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates and new blends!
Top Tea Tips from Russ & Southport Tea!
1. Brewing Basics
Use a strainer or infuser for loose leaf tea.
Tip: Want stronger flavor? Add more tea, not more steep time. Oversteeping black or green teas = bitter taste.
2. Water Temperature Matters
Black & herbal teas: 212°F (boiling)
Oolong: ~190°F
Green: ~185°F
White: ~175°F
3. Steeping Times
Black tea: 3–5 minutes
Green tea: 2–3 minutes
Herbal tea/tisane: 5–10 minutes
4. Storage Tips
Keep tea leaves cool, dry, and out of sunlight.
Avoid the fridge — it can add moisture.
Our resealable, windowless bags keep tea fresh for over a year.
5. Favorite Teas to Try
Kenosha Harbor Blend: Chamomile, lavender, and butterfly pea flower — beautiful color & smooth taste.
Raspberry Green Tea: Fruity and refreshing, perfect hot or cold.
Quiet Time: Peppermint & rose herbal tea, great for relaxing evenings.
White Tea from Nepal: Light, delicate, antioxidant-rich — Russ’s personal favorite.
6. Fun Facts
Herbal teas = tisanes, not “true” teas, but equally delicious!
Loose leaf tea beats bagged tea: better flavor, less waste, no microplastics.
Every blend passes Maggie’s taste test before hitting the shelves.
7. Health & Wellness Perks
True teas (black, green, oolong) are rich in antioxidants and amino acids.
Herbal teas offer specific benefits: peppermint aids digestion, ginger reduces inflammation, chamomile promotes calm.
8. Serving Suggestions
Morning energy boost: Ceylon black tea
Focus during the day: Green tea
Evening relaxation: Quiet Time herbal tea
