Start Your Boba Tea Business: Pop Up vs. Storefront Strategy
Over the past decade, bubble tea—also known as boba tea—has evolved from a beloved Asian beverage into a global phenomenon. Known for its creamy milk tea base, chewy tapioca pearls, and custom toppings, it has especially gained momentum in the U.S. among Gen Z and millennials. Industry analysts project continued growth, with the global market expected to exceed $3 billion by 2027. As the popularity of bubble tea rises, more entrepreneurs are jumping into the market. This guide will walk you through how to open a bubble tea shop and help you decide whether to launch a pop-up or invest in a full storefront.
Understand Your Market & Customer Demographics
Before you sign a lease or buy a blender, research your potential customers. Bubble tea is especially popular among Gen Z, millennials, and college students. Locations near universities, malls, and urban areas with high foot traffic tend to perform best. Use your demographic data to guide decisions on your shop’s location, design, and even the flavors on your menu.
Pop Up vs. Brick & Mortar
Pop Up Boba Store
Pros:
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Lower startup costs (rent, equipment, staffing)
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Flexible and fast to launch
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Great for testing products, branding, or specific neighborhoods
Cons:
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Less brand permanence or customer retention
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Limited space, may reduce your menu size
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Weather or location dependent traffic
Brick & Mortar Boba Store
Pros:
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Stronger brand presence and community loyalty
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More space for dine-in, custom decor, and upselling
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Consistent location builds recognition over time
Cons:
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Higher rent, renovation, and utility costs
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Long term commitment with higher financial risk
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Requires more staff and ongoing maintenance
Which should you choose? If you’re testing the waters or working with a tight budget, a pop up is a smart, low-risk entry. If you have more capital and a strong vision, a full store offers greater branding opportunities and long-term growth potential.
Create a Business Plan & Budget Wisely
Your business plan should outline your shop concept, startup costs, target market, location strategy, menu, staffing needs, and marketing plans. Be realistic about startup expenses, which can include:
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Equipment (sealers, blenders, POS systems)
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Renovation or booth setup
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Ingredients
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Licensing and permits
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First month’s rent and deposits
For pop-ups, expect $10,000–$25,000. For brick-and-mortar stores, $50,000–$150,000+ is more realistic.
Find a Reliable Bubble Tea Supplier
Your ingredients make or break your shop. Find a wholesale supplier who can provide:
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Tea leaves (black, green, oolong, jasmine)
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Milk or non-dairy creamers
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Cups, sealing film, straws, utensils
Look for a vendor that offers bulk pricing, consistent quality, and OEM/private label options. Shipping rates and lead times are especially important if you’re located outside of major cities.
Design a Menu That Sells
Your menu should balance popular staples (milk tea, taro, brown sugar) with creative, localized items. Organize your drinks clearly by category:
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Milk Teas
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Fruit Teas
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Smoothies & Slushes
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Toppings (tapioca, jelly, pudding, etc.)
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Sweet treats (waffles, snow ice, pastries)
Also, allow for customization (sugar/ice level) and make sure your menu design reflects your brand’s identity and appeals to your demographic.
Invest in Smart Tech
Whether you go with dine in or carry out, technology can streamline your operations:
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Self order kiosks reduce wait times and staff workload
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Online ordering expands reach and enables delivery integration
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POS systems improve inventory and sales tracking
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Digital signage keeps your menu and promos fresh
Start Marketing Early
Start building buzz 1–2 months before opening. Effective pre-launch strategies include:
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Teasing drinks and designs on Instagram & TikTok
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Creating a website with an email sign-up for launch promos
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Hosting soft-opening tastings or sneak previews
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Collaborating with local influencers or small businesses
Launch With a Loyalty Program
Once you open, build repeat business with:
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Simple punch cards or digital reward apps
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Member-only promotions or early access to new drinks
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Birthday perks or referral bonuses
Customer loyalty is especially important if you’re in a competitive area. Reward your regulars and give them reasons to come back.
Bonus Tips for Success
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Train staff on customer service, drink consistency, and upselling
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Use Instagram Stories and Reels to keep content dynamic
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Join local events or food markets to expand exposure
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Ask for feedback often, and adapt quickly
Looking for a Boba Supplier?
We supply high-quality bubble tea ingredients globally, including tapioca pearls, flavored powders, teas, and more. Whether you're starting a small pop up or a large franchise, we offer flexible wholesale options, OEM support, and efficient shipping to North America, Europe, and beyond.