Following its success in Cupertino, California, since 2019 and its expansion to Chicago last summer, Ume Tea is gearing up to unveil its 13th location and second in Illinois in downtown Evanston. The tea chain’s newest outpost continues its mission of introducing boba to the younger generation while offering a diverse array of beverages and snacks.
Renowned for its fruit and milk teas, as well as non-caffeinated options, Ume Tea is more than just a boba tea joint. Alongside its refreshing beverages, patrons can indulge in delectable snacks such as popcorn chicken and fried mini octopus, adding a savory twist to the traditional boba tea experience.
Situated at 618½ Church Street, formerly occupied by Viet Nom Nom, Ume Tea finalized its lease agreement and is awaiting the completion of final city inspections before commencing operations.
Changyong Li, co-founder of Ume Tea, expressed excitement about expanding further within the Chicago area, with Evanston presenting an appealing opportunity, especially given the presence of the vibrant student population at Northwestern University.
Despite existing competition from several bubble tea establishments in downtown Evanston, Ume Tea aims to stand out by continuously innovating its offerings. Li emphasized the brand’s commitment to catering to young consumers, with recent creations such as the Bunny Surprise, featuring a tear-away section at the bottom revealing a plush toy, exemplifying their playful approach to product development.
With new Ume Tea specials introduced monthly, the grand opening of the Evanston location will feature enticing promotions, including regular size drinks priced at $2.99 and popcorn chicken available for $5. Li also teased a special surprise for customers on opening day, underscoring the brand’s dedication to spreading joy and delight among the Evanston community.
“We want to make the Evanston people happy,” Li affirmed, reflecting Ume Tea’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and enjoyable environment for its patrons.
