<\/p>\n
S. ABINGTON TWP. \u2014 Boba tea has continued in recent years as one of the fastest-growing drink trends in America, and for over a year, QiQi Bubble Tea has been giving the people what they want.<\/p>\n
The shop, located at 860 Northern Boulevard, offers over 50 flavors of bubble tea, including milk tea with tapioca pearls and fruit tea with coconut jelly.<\/p>\n
The business also sells matcha drinks, coffee, slushies, and egg tarts, as well as food options such as dumplings and sushi bake.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just tastes really good. I\u2019ve tried many flavors, and I love all of them,\u201d said owner QiQi, who moved to the area from New York state about a year and a half ago to be closer to family and start her business.<\/p>\n
When she sat down to speak with the Times Leader, QiQi, whose first language is Chinese, was joined by her friend Shu Qiu, a local librarian, to help with translating her thoughts.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so different from the ordinary drink,\u201d Qiu said, when asked why she thinks bubble tea is so popular. \u201cEven the look, the presentation of the drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
QiQi said that the ability to customize drink orders is also a big draw for customers.<\/p>\n
Bubble tea is certainly a fun, colorful drink, and in choosing decor for her shop, QiQi picked out some really eclectic pieces.<\/p>\n
One corner of the shop is filled with pastel-colored claw machines, while a mechanical light-up sign shaped like a pair of eyes hangs over the hallway leading to the bathroom.<\/p>\n
The walls are covered with original artwork QiQi made herself. When the Times Leader visited, the windows were adorned with Chinese New Year decorations.<\/p>\n
Even the tables are fun \u2014 the hexagonal shapes light up when you set your drink down or run your fingers over it.<\/p>\n
Near the entrance hangs a plaque given to QiQi by the U.S. Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 upon her completion of four years of service.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will never forget your unique foods and the delicious hot pot you made,\u201d the plaque reads.<\/p>\n
Owning a business was a huge change for her after military service.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a challenge,\u201d she said. \u201cIn the military, you gotta listen to orders. And then now, I have to make my own decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
But QiQi had help, especially from her mom.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom showed her 100% support,\u201d said Qiu. \u201cShe feels so grateful for her family support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even if you\u2019ve never tried bubble tea before, QiQi wants to encourage people to give the drink a try, and to never be shy about asking her questions about it.<\/p>\n
\u201cTry something you\u2019ve never had,\u201d Qiu agreed. \u201cThen you might get a nice surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n
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