Bubble Tea Shops Popping Up in Atlanta

Combining traditional tea with childlike excitement is America’s growing obsession, bubble tea. Bubble tea has been around since the late 80s, though its origin is highly debated. While it was never decided which business, year, or employee really invented the delicious drink; it was decided that it was the newest craze. By the 90s and early 2000s, bubble tea had made its way to America where it is now held in the hands of anyone interested in combining their caffeine boost with lots of fun.  

Bubble tea as we now know it is many things. It is a fruity punch with rainbow jelly, a matcha with strawberry bursting bubbles, or a traditional milk tea with tapioca pearls. The textures differ as much as the flavors. Jellies can be the consistency of Jell-O or in little cubes that chew like gummy bears. Bursting bubbles often have close to no texture and instead entice people with their pop of flavor. The famous tapioca pearl is the hardest texture to pinpoint as it has even been given the name “QQ,” which in Chinese is given to something that is extremely chewy. All these toppings and more are to be found at the dozens of bubble tea shops that are evolving nonstop in Atlanta. 

 At one bubble tea chain, Unbelibubble, the beloved drink is the centerpiece of an expansive menu and a booming business with five current locations. They first opened in 2018 with their Duluth location and have grown to now looking for those interested in becoming a franchisee. Unbelibubble manager, Sol Cortes, explained that they hope to “one day have the opportunity to serve our drinks across the country,” and as of now, they are on track to do so.  

Photo courtesy of Unbelibubble MapQuest.

Even though business is great, and the customers are happy, the amount of bubble tea shops in Atlanta is making it harder for these businesses to set themselves apart. Unbelibubble “likes to preserve the tastes of the drinks by staying true to the ingredients used such as organic fruit, in-house purees, and high-quality tea,” said Cortes Sol Cortes. For having creative and fun flavors, as well as very individual drinks, the prices at Unbelibubble are low and affordable. 

Another way bubble tea shops have started to individualize themselves is also by staying true to their milk tea roots while producing the next big flavor, mixing modern and classical. “Our strawberry matcha was reinvented when we explored the many possible ways to enjoy a classic matcha latte,” said Cortes. “We want to find something that can suit everybody’s tastebuds.” Unbelibubble, along with many others, are constantly thinking of ways to add new life to the delicious classic drink of milk tea. 

Photo courtesy of Unbelibubble.

Throughout its time in America, bubble tea has proven it is here to stay. Businesses are thinking of new flavors every day and customers keep coming back to try them. Whether they are looking for a traditional milk tea or a fun environment to enjoy a sweet treat in, Atlanta bubble tea shops are prepared with endless options.