SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — There would be no you and me without Syracuse and Bubble Tea.
The frothy drink made with a tea base and shaken with flavors, sweeteners and or milk with tapioca pearls at the base, originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s. A concept that has gained popularly throughout the United States and in Syracuse.
“Syracuse has like a big Asian population and like Bubble Tea is very new, refreshing,” said Joy Chang, manager of Bubble Tea restaurant Taichi.
The national Bubble Tea chain, Gong Cha will be opening its doors to Downtown Syracuse in Armory Square. Gong Cha has over 2,000 locations across 23 different countries and is choosing to make Syracuse its next home.
Gong Cha was first approved by the city of Syracuse Zoning Staff back in April 2023. Since then there have been signs outside the restaurant at 142 Walton St. promoting what is to come, highlighting future drinks and food items.
With multiple Bubble Tea locations in Syracuse, Chang believes Taichi stands out based on its location.
“Definitely being next to the campus does help because students come,” said Chang.
The addition of Gong Cha will bring Syracuse’s total Bubble Tea locations into the double digits.
