A Legacy Steeped in Tradition: The Evolving Story of Harney & Sons

The history of Harney & Sons is a narrative written in tea leaves and family milestones. It began in 1983, a humble venture launched from the basement of John Harney’s home. Under the mentorship of English tea expert Stanley Mason, John Harney set out to carve a niche in the American tea market, laying the foundation for a company that would eventually become a household name. Decades later, the business remains a steadfast family enterprise, though the scope of its operations and the size of the family steering the ship have grown significantly. Today, as the "sons" in Harney & Sons have become fathers themselves, the company serves as a testament to the endurance of family-run businesses in an increasingly corporate landscape.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the heart of the organization is Elyse Harney, the company’s president and the matriarch of the Harney clan. Born Elizabeth G. Deublein in North Bergen, New Jersey, her journey began long before the tea business. A graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, class of 1952, she remains deeply connected to her alma mater, which has honored her with an invitation to serve as their 2026 commencement speaker.

Following her graduate studies at Columbia University, she married John Harney in 1953. Her role in the company’s history is foundational; she was not only a co-founder of the business in 1983 but also a vital partner in its early survival. In 1987, she expanded her professional footprint by founding Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). Her success in the real estate sector provided the necessary financial stability to support the fledgling tea company during its most vulnerable formative years. Today, EHRE has grown into a premier agency across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The legacy of this second business continues to be a family affair; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, took the reins in 2005 and now serves as the firm’s lead broker and owner, working alongside her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany. This intersection of tea and real estate reflects the multifaceted nature of the Harney family’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Elyse’s personal relationship with tea is as curated as the company’s catalog. Her preferences shift with the rhythm of the day, a testament to the diversity of the Harney & Sons offerings. In the morning, she often favors the delicate profile of Dragon Pearl Jasmine, the health-conscious notes of the Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or the crisp, traditional profile of Japanese Sencha. As the afternoon settles in, she frequently turns to various oolongs, eventually winding down her day with a comforting cup of Jasmine, the aromatic Yellow & Blue, or the soothing Chamomile—a classic tisane her husband, John, introduced to her many years ago.

The Second Generation: Leadership and Innovation

The operational leadership of Harney & Sons now rests in the hands of the second generation, led by Vice President and Master Tea Buyer Mike Harney. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike initially pursued a career in the hotel industry, managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago. He officially joined the family tea business in 1988. In his current role, he acts as the company’s primary palate and scout, traveling the globe to connect with tea producers and source the finest leaves available. His expertise is distilled into his 2008 publication, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a work born from decades of tasting and evaluating hundreds of unique varieties. For Mike, tea is defined by "terroir"—the unique characteristics imparted by the environment in which the plant is grown. This passion for authentic expression drives his professional selections and his approach to blending.

Working closely alongside Mike is his wife, Brigitte Harney, who serves as a manager and buyer for the company. Their story is a blend of international serendipity; born in Suresnes, France, Brigitte arrived in Connecticut in 1977 as an au pair. A chance meeting with the Harney family during a visit to her mother’s friend led to a connection that would eventually bring her into the family fold. Brigitte’s palate is eclectic, often influenced by the changing seasons. While she has a signature offering in "Brigitte’s Blend"—a refined mix of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—she is equally drawn to the robust character of Supreme Breakfast tea. During the autumn months, she gravitates toward Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos, while the arrival of spring often sees her enjoying a first flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley.

The second generation’s commitment to innovation is further embodied by Paul Harney, the company’s other Vice President. Paul has been the primary architect of the company’s modernization efforts. He was instrumental in launching the company’s line of organic ready-to-drink teas and juices, bringing the Harney & Sons brand into the convenience-focused market. Furthermore, Paul spearheaded the introduction of the pyramid sachet, a packaging design that allows for whole-leaf tea to expand fully during the infusion process, providing a superior cup of tea with the ease of a tea bag. His entrepreneurial reach extends beyond tea; in 2018, he played a key role in founding The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the Harney family’s expertise in premium botanicals to explore the burgeoning world of legal hemp products. His personal taste is as diverse as his professional output, highlighted by a fondness for the unique, spice-forward profile of Horchata tea—a reflection of his appreciation for Mexican culture.

The Third Generation: Continuity and Vision

As the business looks toward the future, the third generation of the Harney family is already deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations. Emeric Harney, the current Marketing Director, effectively grew up within the company. His earliest memories involve performing small, helpful tasks, such as peeling stickers for tea tins, before graduating to retail duties as a young teenager. His contributions have been significant: he successfully launched the company’s SoHo retail location in 2010 and has since become a central figure in brand management, product development, and the sourcing of tea. Emeric is also an accomplished blender, having created popular varieties such as Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. His current morning routine often features Matcha iri Genmaicha, while he prefers the depth of Panyang Congou for his afternoon pick-me-up.

Completing the current leadership team is Alex Harney, the Director of Content and Café Director. His childhood was spent learning the nuances of the trade under his grandfather’s watchful eye, specifically in the delicate art of scenting tea with bergamot oil to create Earl Grey. His role is uniquely creative, encompassing the management of the Millerton Café—where he acts as founder and executive chef, curating menus that range from savory soups to intricate desserts—and overseeing the company’s film and photography departments. Alex’s personal tea preferences lean heavily toward the nuanced, lightly oxidized oolongs. He frequently highlights varieties such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong as his personal favorites, reflecting a refined appreciation for the craft that defined the company’s origins.

The Harney & Sons story is one of constant evolution. From a single basement operation in 1983 to a multi-generational enterprise that spans retail, hospitality, and global sourcing, the family has remained committed to the core values instilled by John and Elyse. While the family continues to grow and the business faces new challenges and opportunities, the fundamental mission remains unchanged: to provide exceptional tea experiences. As the company continues to source, sample, and blend, it does so with the knowledge that the next chapter is already being written, ensuring that the Harney name will remain a hallmark of quality for generations to come.