News
Bana Tea Company Announces Retirement of Founder Linda Louie and Acquisition by Wendy Chen and Nathan Epstein of Callisto Tea House
Los Angeles, CA – January 28, 2026 – After eighteen years of pioneering the art of rare and vintage pu-erh teas, Linda Louie, the beloved founder and owner of Bana Tea Company, has announced her retirement. Under her leadership, Bana Tea Company became known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and education, helping to elevate the appreciation of pu-erh tea in the global market.
Effective immediately, the company has been acquired by Wendy Chen and Nathan Epstein, owners of the Callisto Tea House in Altadena. The new ownership will maintain Bana Tea Company as a separate entity, with a continued dedication to offering the same exceptional range of unique teas that have defined the brand.
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have shared my passion for pu-erh tea with so many over the past 18 years. It's been an incredible journey, and I couldn’t be more confident in handing over the reins to Wendy and Nathan," said Linda Louie. "Their vision for continuing Bana’s legacy aligns perfectly with my own, and I am excited for the future of the company and the community it has built."
Bana Tea Company has long been a destination for tea connoisseurs, collectors, and enthusiasts looking for premium, hand-selected pu-erh teas. With its strong reputation and commitment to quality, it has become a key player in the tea industry, offering some of the rarest pu-erh teas available on the market.
Wendy Chen and Nathan Epstein, who founded Callisto Tea House in 2020, have a shared dedication to preserving the integrity of traditional tea practices while introducing new audiences to the joys of fine tea. They bring to Bana Tea Company a deep knowledge of the tea industry and a passion for the craft that will ensure the business's continued growth and success.
"We are honored to take on the responsibility of continuing Linda's incredible work and vision for Bana Tea Company," said Wendy Chen. "Our goal is to preserve the essence of what makes Bana so special – the rare and aged pu-erh teas that have made it a cornerstone in the tea world – while also bringing fresh energy and new opportunities for tea lovers worldwide."
Nathan Epstein added, "We look forward to expanding the company's reach and introducing new customers to the deep, rich flavors of pu-erh tea. As with Callisto Tea House, our approach will always center on quality, sustainability, and an unwavering dedication to the art of tea."
Both Chen and Epstein are committed to ensuring that Bana Tea Company continues to operate with the same high standards that have been the hallmark of its success, ensuring that Linda Louie's legacy will live on for years to come.
About Bana Tea Company:
Founded in 2008 by Linda Louie, Bana Tea Company is renowned for offering some of the finest, rarest, and most carefully curated pu-erh teas from the Yunnan province of China. The company has long been a trusted source for tea lovers seeking high-quality aged teas, with a reputation for exceptional customer service, education, and sustainability.
About Callisto Tea House:
Callisto Tea House, founded in 2020 by Wendy Chen and Nathan Epstein, has quickly become a beloved institution in the world of specialty teas. Known for their expertly curated selection of teas and their dedication to creating a welcoming space for all tea enthusiasts, Callisto Tea House blends tradition with innovation, offering an unforgettable tea experience for its growing customer base.