Lafayette’s beloved Tea-Rex, known for its traditional Asian beverages and cuisine, has recently unveiled its second location, marking another milestone of success for owners Duy Le and Jennie Vo.
The journey began in 2019 with the inaugural Tea-Rex establishment nestled at 120 Curran Ln., Suite B. Now, their newest location at 2920 Johnston St., which officially opened its doors on March 2, brings a taste of Le’s favorite drinks and dishes to the area.
“Tea-Rex is a Boba Tea store,” explains Le. “We specialize in Boba tea, smoothies, fruit tea, Asian street food, and Korean corn dogs.”
The unique moniker “Tea-Rex” was coined by Le’s family, chosen for its simplicity and memorable quality. “And it has the word ‘tea’ in it, which is what we sell,” Le adds with a smile.
Originally from Vietnam, Le embarked on a journey that took him to Fitchburg, Mass., in 2004, before eventually settling in Lafayette. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in petroleum engineering, Le’s passion for introducing Boba tea to communities beyond traditional Asian enclaves was sparked during his travels across the United States.
“Most Boba tea stores are in Chinatown or areas with Asians as the majority population,” notes Le. “So I came up with a question: Why not bring this delicious drink outside Asian communities?”
Boba tea, a concoction of tea, milk, water, sugar, and tapioca pearls, quickly gained traction at the first Tea-Rex, with 90% of customers being Americans.
Expanding beyond beverages, Le introduced Korean Corn Dogs to his menu in January 2023, which garnered widespread acclaim. Notably, Le enhanced the traditional recipe by increasing the size of his corn dogs by 30%, offering customers a heartier snack without adjusting the price.
Eager to serve more customers, Le strategically chose the new location near Cajun Field, a bustling area close to hospitals and schools. With meticulous attention to detail, Le, alongside his father and wife, personally constructed the new Tea-Rex, from its decor to its plumbing and electrical systems.
Looking ahead, Le has ambitious plans for Tea-Rex, including a third location on Johnston Street near Maurice, set to feature a container-style Boba shop with two stories and a drive-thru. Additionally, Le is exploring franchising opportunities to meet the growing demand for Tea-Rex across the region.
“I am working to start a franchise because there are many people asking me to do franchising,” reveals Le. “I think I will be able to offer franchising at the end of 2024.”
As Tea-Rex continues to flourish, its commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement remains unwavering, promising an exciting future ahead for fans of Asian-inspired beverages and cuisine in Lafayette and beyond.
