Matcha Cafe Maiko, a Hawaii-based chain of Japanese dessert shops, will make its Arizona debut on the northeast corner of Rural and University in Tempe.
What is matcha? A finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves from East Asia. Matcha Cafe Maiko imports their matcha from Japan.
The food: Along with matcha, the cafe serves hojicha, a spicier kind of tea. Both are available in hot and cold drinks and ice cream creations.
The chain: 20 stores in 11 states, plus others in Canada, China, and Thailand.
Target opening: October.
