Athens’ vibrant bubble tea community welcomed a new addition over the weekend as Happy Lemon celebrated its grand opening at 225 N. Newton Street. Adorned with yellow balloons and red ribbons, the bustling scene outside the store signaled the excitement surrounding the arrival of this renowned bubble tea chain.
Founded in 2006 by the Yummy-Town Group, a Taiwanese tea culture company, Happy Lemon has swiftly garnered international acclaim, boasting over 350 locations across 21 countries. Renowned for its commitment to freshness and authenticity, Happy Lemon freshly brews and handcrafts every beverage onsite, offering patrons a true taste of tea culture spanning generations.
To mark the occasion, the first 50 customers in line were treated to complimentary tote bags, adding an extra touch of excitement to the event. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to indulge in a buy one get one free promotion on bubble tea, limited to four cups per customer. The festivities continued with another BOGO deal the following day, extending the celebration from noon to 8 p.m.
Anthony Tran, the proud owner of the Happy Lemon franchise in Athens, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the vibrant local community. Inspired by his family’s unwavering support, Tran is determined to contribute to Athens’ continued growth and evolution.
“I want to be a part of [the Athens] community. I’ve seen it grow a lot in the last few years, and I want to see it continue to grow,” Tran remarked.
The grand opening attracted a diverse crowd of eager bubble tea enthusiasts, with some patrons waiting in line for over an hour to experience Happy Lemon’s offerings firsthand. Leslie Dang, a sophomore biology major at the University of Georgia, cherished the special touch of receiving a tote bag after patiently waiting in line.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Nguyen, a freshman biology major, savored the unique flavors of Happy Lemon’s signature “Dragon Fruit Yakult Smoothie,” while Kevin Truong, a sophomore biochemical engineering major at Georgia Southern University, indulged in the savory “Salted Cheese Milk Tea,” albeit wishing for larger boba pearls.
Overall, patrons praised the new location for its diverse menu and inviting ambiance, noting how Happy Lemon adds a refreshing dimension to Athens’ culinary landscape. As students and locals alike eagerly anticipate future visits, Happy Lemon’s debut promises to be a delightful addition to the Athens community for years to come.
