Archives of Us, a Los Angeles matcha cafe chain, has signed its first New York City retail lease at 84 Second Avenue in Manhattan's East Village. The brand will occupy 2,400 square feet at the Highpoint Property Group-owned building.
The space functions as both a cafe and retail outlet for the matcha brand, marking the company's expansion into the competitive NYC market. The East Village location positions Archives of Us near significant foot traffic and a demographic aligned with specialty beverage consumption. Second Avenue serves as a major commercial corridor in the neighborhood, attracting both residents and tourists.
Highpoint Property Group, the landlord, continues to secure tenants for its 84 Second Avenue asset. The deal reflects ongoing confidence in East Village retail despite broader economic pressures on brick-and-mortar businesses. Matcha cafes have gained traction in major U.S. cities over the past five years, with brands capitalizing on wellness trends and premium beverage pricing.
For landlords in Manhattan's lower East Side, this lease demonstrates sustained demand for specialty food and beverage tenants willing to pay market rents for high-visibility locations. For Archives of Us, the move signals growth beyond California and entry into one of the nation's most competitive retail markets. The brand joins a crowded field of matcha operators in Manhattan, where pricing power and location quality determine success.
Tenants seeking comparable East Village spaces should expect comparable market rates for retail footage. The deal underscores how niche beverage brands continue to bet on physical retail experiences even as delivery and e-commerce expand.