From Taiwan to Richmond: How GiGi Tea Time Became a Local Boba Staple
GiGi Tea Time introduced Richmond to premium Taiwanese boba, standout flavors like Rose Pearl Strawberry, and a personal touch that keeps locals coming back.
A Trip to Richmond Turned Into a Whole New Business
Wei and his wife were living in New Jersey when a visit to friends in Richmond sparked an idea. “We realized there wasn’t really any bubble tea around back then,” Wei said. This was 2016, and they were looking for a new business venture. His wife already ran a salon in Jersey, and when they saw the gap in Richmond’s tea scene, they decided to go for it.
There was one older boba shop at the time, but nothing like the modern cafes popping up elsewhere. “We thought it was a good opportunity to be one of the first,” Wei said. And they were—just about neck and neck with another small shop that opened up a month earlier.
Fast-forward a few years, and GiGi Tea Time has become a local go-to for boba fans.
What Makes GiGi Tea Time Different
At GiGi, it’s all about quality. Wei’s wife even flew to Taiwan for two weeks to train and learn the latest techniques. “Everything we use is from Taiwan—the tea, the powders, the ingredients,” Wei said. “There’s a big price difference depending on what you use, and we always go with the best.”
That extra effort shows in their top drinks, especially the Taro Milk Tea. According to Wei, “A lot of customers say no other place compares. We even had people from Singapore say ours was better.”
Another favorite? The Rose Pearl Strawberry—a fragrant, fruity combo that’s not just delicious but totally unique. “I don’t think anyone else has it,” Wei said.
Then there’s the Tai Chi, a layered Thai tea and matcha drink that’s so good even competitors used to recommend it. “Customers would go to Kung Fu Tea asking for Tai Chi, and their staff told them to come to us,” Wei laughed. “That was pretty cool.”
A Mom-and-Pop Feel in Every Drink
GiGi Tea Time isn’t a big chain—it’s just Wei and his wife running the shop. And that personal connection is a huge part of what keeps customers coming back.
“We used to have staff, but since the pandemic, it’s just us,” Wei said. “My wife remembers regulars’ orders. We do everything ourselves.”
They’ve kept things old-school in the best way, like using punch cards—buy 10 drinks, get one free. And even without big advertising campaigns, they’ve managed to stay busy. “Most people hear about us through word of mouth,” Wei said. “When we first opened, everyone in town was talking about us."
Riding the Highs and Lows of Small Business Life
Opening GiGi Tea Time wasn’t easy, and neither was keeping it going through COVID. The shop had to close for six months, and Wei said being financially prepared made all the difference. “If we didn’t have savings, we would’ve had to walk away,” he said.
These days, they’re keeping things tight, keeping quality high, and navigating price hikes—especially on ingredients imported from Taiwan. “We’re getting hit with tariffs, so prices might have to go up,” Wei said. “At the same time, people have less money to spend. It’s hard.”
What’s Next for GiGi Tea Time?
While Wei once dreamed of expansion, he’s playing it safe for now. With boba shops popping up everywhere, especially near VCU, he’s focused on what GiGi Tea Time does best: serving great drinks and keeping that personal connection with their customers.
“We just want to keep the quality up and stay true to what we do,” Wei said.