Feb. 5, 2026, Redmond, HeyTea’s planned Redmond shop at 16595 Redmond Way, Suite 165, has closed before ever fully opening, and neighborhood posts and storefront signs suggest the space will instead house a matcha and donut concept, leaving local fans disappointed and a little baffled.
The shop’s Google listing now shows the location as permanently closed, and people who follow local storefront changes told a community forum they never saw the shop open for business.
A paper sign taped to the door caught neighbors’ attention, reading, “Some Goodbyes Lead You Home,” which several people said felt like a quiet farewell from whoever vacated the space.
Reaction on neighborhood message boards was a mix of resignation and minor frustration. One resident wrote they were “always happy to try a new donut,” but pointed out there is already a recent matcha spot on Redmond Way.
Others said they had hoped HeyTea would make it easier to get a cheese fruit tea without a trip to Bellevue or South Lake Union.
A few forum posts noted temporary signage that looks like a matcha and donut concept or suggested the unit might be shared with another vendor, and some people wondered whether the tenant might move into the nearby Redmond Town Center instead.
HeyTea is not pulling back from the U.S. market, according to public information about the chain.
The company opened its first U.S. store on December 8, 2023, in Midtown Manhattan, and as of early 2026, it operates more than 35 locations nationwide, concentrated in California, New York, and Washington state.
There are confirmed HeyTea shops in Seattle and in Bellevue’s Bravern, so the Redmond closure appears to be a local matter rather than part of a broader retreat.
HeyTea did not respond to requests for comment about the Redmond site, and property managers did not immediately confirm what will replace the unit.
Local observers said the change looks like a tenant-level decision, possibly tied to lease terms, build-out plans, or an adjustment in the operator’s opening timetable.
For now, the address sits empty, the goodbye note still visible to passersby, and fans who were counting on a closer HeyTea will have to keep making the trek to neighboring cities.
If you have tips or photos of the storefront, or information about the incoming tenant, contact the property manager or check HeyTea’s official U.S. location list for updates.
Sources: Local community forum posts and comments, Google business listing for HeyTea Redmond, HeyTea U.S. opening announcement, and national location listings.
