Inc. Names The Spice & Tea Exchange® to Its 2026 List of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Southeast

Companies on the Inc. Regionals: Southeast list had a median growth rate of 89 percent.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today revealed that The Spice & Tea Exchange^® has been ranked No. 177 on its sixth annual Inc. Regionals: Southeast list – the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Southeast. The region includes South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Regionals list offers a data-driven look at the independent small businesses driving growth across the Southeast economy. Companies on this year's list demonstrate exceptional revenue expansion, resilience, and job creation during a challenging economic period.

"Being named to the Inc. Regionals Southeast list is an incredible honor and a reflection of the passion our franchisees, team members, and loyal guests bring to The Spice & Tea Exchange^® every day," said Amy Freeman, CEO and Co-Founder of The Spice & Tea Exchange^®. "As we continue to grow, we remain focused on creating memorable sensory experiences, supporting entrepreneurial success, and expanding our footprint with franchise partners who share our commitment to flavor, discovery, and community."

Between 2022 and 2024, these 182 private companies had a median growth rate of 89 percent; by 2024, they'd also added 12,079 jobs and $3.4 billion to the region's economy.

Complete results of the Inc. Regionals: Southeast will be available at: https://www.inc.com/regionals/southeast.

"The honorees on this year's Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them. Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they didn't just persevere – they innovated, adapted, and thrived. Their resilience made them standouts in their industries and true growth engines in their regions," said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

The Spice & Tea Exchange^®'s inclusion on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list reflects the brand's strong momentum and successful franchise growth strategy. Since its founding in 2008, the specialty retail concept has expanded to nearly 100 stores across 38 states, fueled by a distinctive sensory shopping experience and a product assortment that inspires exploration and repeat visits. As the brand continues to attract passionate franchisees nationwide, The Spice & Tea Exchange^® is well positioned for continued growth throughout the Southeast and beyond.

More about Inc. and the Inc. Regionals

Methodology
The Inc. Regionals lists are ranked according to percentage revenue growth over two years. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2024. (Since then, a number of companies on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2022 is $100,000; the minimum for 2024 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.   

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About The Spice & Tea Exchange^®

Established in 2008, The Spice & Tea Exchange^® is a specialty retail brand offering over 140 fine spices, 85 hand-mixed seasoning blends, 40 exotic loose-leaf teas, naturally flavored sugars, and salts from around the world, creating a destination where guests explore, taste, and discover new flavors. Currently operating in 38 states with nearly 100 stores, the brand is looking for passionate entrepreneurs to bring a special sensory experience to their local communities. For more information on the franchise opportunity, please visit https://www.spiceandtea.com/pages/franchise.

SOURCE The Spice & Tea Exchange