Sherry Zhao and her husband Jeff Zhang embarked on a mission to bring high-quality bubble tea to the U.S. market after struggling to find authentic options during their time living in the country. Leaving behind their corporate careers during the pandemic, they ventured into entrepreneurship with the vision of building a recognizable brand in the bubble tea industry.
“Our goal is to have a chain. We wanted to have strong representation of good, excellent quality bubble tea in the U.S. market,” Zhao expressed, emphasizing their ambition to establish a renowned brand.
The journey from employees to business owners wasn’t straightforward for the immigrant couple, who settled in Silicon Valley in 2006 before relocating to New York in 2015. “Our past was focused on school and working,” Zhao reflected, highlighting their academic and professional pursuits before the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of their career path.
The idea of starting their own business had lingered for years, but it wasn’t until the pandemic-induced remote work setup provided them with the opportunity to seriously consider it. “During the pandemic, we were both working from home so this idea started to be discussed over and over until we saw an opportunity,” Zhao explained.
Their passion for bubble tea, deeply rooted in their cultural background, fueled their entrepreneurial venture. “I’ve never had any bubble tea I really liked (here) so I often visit China because I know that’s where I can get good ones,” Zhao remarked, underscoring their desire to introduce authentic bubble tea experiences to American consumers.
In fall 2021, they opened their first two Black Pearl Bubble Tea locations at Green Acres Mall and South Shore Mall in New York. With the recent acquisition of Trumbull Mall in late 2022 by Namdar Realty Group, they seized the opportunity to expand their presence with a fifth outlet.
“We really focus on quality and we use really good ingredients,” Zhao emphasized, highlighting their commitment to delivering superior products. “We cook the tapioca boba fresh instead of using the pre-cooked ones, which makes it taste very different. We also use fresh fruits, which tastes much better and is healthier.”
Their dedication to quality sets Black Pearl Bubble Tea apart from competitors, offering customers a unique and authentic bubble tea experience. As they prepare to launch their newest location at Trumbull Mall, they aim to cultivate a loyal customer base through their superior product offerings.
“We appreciate the enthusiasm and interest from the community regarding the potential arrival of Black Pearl Bubble Tea at Trumbull Mall,” remarked Chris Power, the mall’s general manager, echoing the anticipation surrounding the upcoming addition to the mall’s culinary offerings.
