18 | MARCH 25 - 26, 2021 | WORCESTERMAGAZINE.COM
TABLE HOPPIN’
Gong Cha brings bubble tea to Theater District
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Barbara M. Houle
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Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK
The idea of a “new normal” didn’t curb the enthusiasm of entrepreneurial spirit for Jason and Hannah Vuong, Gong Cha franchise owners who last year opened a bubble tea shop at 24 Southbridge St., Worcester. First-time business owners, the couple signed a lease in 2019 and faced a delay in opening when the pandemic put the brakes on renovations at their location, once Pickwick’s restaurant. It was a diffi cult decision to hold off plans, said the Vuongs, but they eagerly anticipated the grand opening which was held Sept. 4. The couple paid attention to the ambiance of the shop, creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Bubble tea (or boba) is a drink that has been around for a while, originating in Taiwan. The tea is made with either oolong, green, or black tea and can have many variations from milk tea to fruit juice tea. A wide range of ingredients and fl avors can be added to it. The beverage includes signature “bubbles” or tapioca balls. Gong Cha’s list of Top 10 drinks include Milk Foam Green Tea, Pearl Milk Tea, Earl Grey Milk Tea with 3 J’s, Passion Fruit Green Tea, Milk Foam Dirty Brown Sugar Milk Tea, Strawberry Milk Tea, Taro, Match Tea Latte, Lemon Ai-Yu with White Pearl, Passionfruit Yogurt Slush. You’ll fi nd so much more on the local shop’s menu, including the Original Bubble Waffl e and Bubble Waffl e with Pearl. Waffl es are made fresh to order. FYI: Gong Cha’s milk teas are made with plant creamer, all nondairy with the exception of the fresh milk series. Don’t worry if you’re new to bubble tea, employees at Gong Cha are very helpful, according to the Vuongs, who post daily specials and promotions on Instagram and Facebook. Social media plays an important role in the business, they said. The shop, currently open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, off ers takeout and delivery, with plans to include indoor seating sometime in May. “We have tables and chairs set aside and will set them up as soon as we consider it safe,” said the owners, who also will add a few outside seats. For now, customers order inside the shop or online. Call (508) 373-2100; visit www.gongchausa.com. Note: There is parking in the alley next to the shop, or park off street. Jason Vuong left a career in banking, his wife, healthcare, to open what the Gong Cha franchise reports as the newest of its Massachusetts stores. It’s also regarded as one of the largest, according to the Vuongs, who proudly showcase it. Not only do the Vuongs love the Gong Cha brand, but also the business location next to The Hanover Theatre and across from the Francis R. Carroll Plaza near the Federal Courthouse. The city’s plan to expand Carroll Plaza to make it pedestrianonly, extending the plaza to the front door of the theater as well See TEA, Page 19D
