A new bubble tea shop is set to open on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, Connecticut, fulfilling a dream for local resident Sophia Leang. Jubi Tea & Sweets will offer a variety of bubble tea options, allowing enthusiasts to indulge in the popular Taiwanese beverage that has gained a loyal following worldwide. Located at 129 Greenwood Ave., the shop aims to satisfy the cravings of bubble tea lovers in the community.
Sophia Leang, who moved to Bethel from Brooklyn, New York, in 2020, recognized a gap in the local market for bubble tea. “I felt like it was missing,” she remarked, recalling her frequent visits to downtown Bethel and wishing for a bubble tea option. Rather than waiting for someone else to fill this void, Leang decided to take matters into her own hands. In January 2023, she committed to opening her own bubble tea shop, targeting the heart of town where she believed it would thrive.
“I love bubble tea. It’s been something I’ve been drinking since my late 20s,” said Leang, who is now in her early 40s. With a passion for the drink and a vision for her business, she embarked on this entrepreneurial journey.
Patrons of Jubi Tea & Sweets can expect an extensive menu featuring classic bubble teas, refreshing slushes, made-to-order bubble waffles, and various sweet treats. All drinks will be crafted using freshly brewed black or jasmine green tea. The menu will include traditional milk and fruit tea options alongside “handcrafted special drinks.” Leang plans to offer various milk alternatives, including regular, lactose-free, oat, coconut, and almond milk.
A key differentiator for Jubi Tea & Sweets is its commitment to quality; Leang emphasizes that all drinks will contain real boba—chewy tapioca pearls made fresh every morning. “There are some restaurants that don’t actually have boba—they’re mostly powder,” she explained. “We’ll make our tapioca fresh every morning.”
In addition to classic flavors like mango and strawberry, the shop will feature unique creations such as Citrus Sunrise and Oreo Lush Delight. With an array of toppings including coconut jelly and popping boba, customers will have plenty of options to customize their drinks.
Opening her first shop has not been without challenges. Leang has spent years manifesting her dream into reality and faced significant hurdles along the way. Having worked in the filmmaking industry for over 20 years as a freelance producer and line producer, she is no stranger to hard work and dedication.
She first envisioned opening her own business around 2018 but only recently found the right opportunity. After noticing a “for-rent” sign at 129 Greenwood Ave. in October 2023, she felt it was the perfect location for her bubble tea shop. “I liked that it was right on the corner of Greenwood and P.T. Barnum Square,” she said.
After negotiating with the landlord and assessing the extensive renovation needed for the space previously occupied by Lacontessa Le Conte hair salon, Leang signed a lease on April 30—coincidentally National Bubble Tea Day.
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