Story by Mike Pettinella
The tables are set, the walls are decorated, the food and drink stations are in place – and the food is on order. Taichi Bubble Tea is ready to open in Batavia.
New York State’s 23rd Taichi Bubble Tea franchise will open its doors at 11 a.m. Saturday at 8380 Lewiston Rd. at the mini mall occupied by Starbucks, Jersey Mike’s and Tropical Smoothie Café.
Its hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Online ordering is available at www.taichibubbletea.com.
Jason Lin, co-manager of the store, said he believes Batavia will embrace a taste of “Asian culture.”
“We offer drinks that are fun, specialty food items in a modern dining setting,” he said. “We’re popular with students, kids and people who love these kinds of drinks. We’re here to bring Asian cuisine to the community.”
Menu items include a varied drink lineup — milk tea, fruit tea, smoothies, lemon series, infrui tea and zang zang milk – and plates such as sushi (rice, green, protein, mix-ins, toppings and crunch), taichi rice box and ramen bowls.
Lin said customers would be smart to try the chicken karahe, which is a Japanese-style fried chicken “that you dip in spicy mayo. It’s savory and juicy.”
He said banners will be set up outside the restaurant and samples will be available for those who want to “check us out.”