WACO, TX — Waco Cha has been bringing diversity to Wacoans for two years. Longing for a sense of community and a place where they can fit in, owner Devin Li and his wife Jaja Chen created the place for everyone.
"There's definitely a need in Waco to have more diverse foods. I think people long for it," Li said.
Serving Boba tea, they were first in a food truck and visited the weekly farmers market in downtown Waco. Once Covid-19 canceled those plans their plans for a brick and mortar sped up its timeline.
"Farmer’s market was one of the events we do every week, of course, we’re afraid of our cash flow," Li said.
Boba or Bubble tea are balls made out of tapioca flour with a gummy texture. Originally from Taiwan, they're served in different types of teas at Waco Cha.
Of course, their customers are in it for the long haul and they have continued their support. Baylor student Jenna Grunt has been at home since the school closed and she came back for finals. Her first stop had to be Waco Cha.
Grunt has always loved Boba tea and actually got to taste the drink in the place where it originated from, Taiwan. After trying it there and then Waco Cha's she knew Waco Cha had it right.
"I thought it was very authentic and that it was something that was really real and they put a lot of time into crafting their recipes and stuff," Grunt said.
Until the farmers market continues they will be retiring the food truck and working on their storefront. Lie is hopeful that no matter what is thrown their way they'll always have their communi-TEA.
"We just love people wanting some joy so it's incredibly humbling," Li said.
Waco Cha is located at 1001 Franklin Ave. They are open Monday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m.
Follow them on their Facebookpage for updates.
