Washingtons first HeChaLou Taiwanese bubble tea draws crowds in Lynnwood
HeChaLou, the first Taiwanese bubble teahouse in Washington, successfully opened its doors in Lynnwood, attracting a steady stream of customers during its soft opening. Franchise owner Sam Wu emphasized the use of loose leaf tea for their bubble tea, allowing for a diverse range of flavors and toppings, including black tea jelly and matcha jelly. The opening was delayed by nearly four months due to issues with city permits and contractors, but Wu is now focused on training staff and improving order accuracy after receiving feedback on mix-ups with jelly selections. Customers can order their drinks at a counter or through kiosks, enhancing the service experience. Wu also announced plans to expand HeChaLou to Bellevue’s Spring District and possibly Issaquah in the near future.
Founded by Yi-Sheng Fang in 2019, HeChaLou opened its first location in Taipei and has since expanded to the U. S. with locations in California and Oregon. This expansion signifies a growing interest in Taiwanese bubble tea culture in the Pacific Northwest. Wu's commitment to quality and customer service aims to solidify HeChaLou's presence in the competitive beverage market.