We just got an early look inside one of the most anticipated drink shop openings in Richmond this year, and the hype is very real.
Molly Tea is days away from officially opening its doors at Union Square Shopping Centre on Capstan Way, and we were invited to check out the space ahead of the April 18 grand opening.
This will be the popular Chinese Jasmine tea’s first BC location.
If you have been to other Molly Tea locations before, you will find the setup familiar, but this one is noticeably smaller.
It is mostly a streamlined order and pick up counter with no seating inside, so plan to grab and go.
We tried three of their top drinks during the visit: the Premium Jasmine Milk Tea, the Snowy Jasmine, and the Premium Jasmine Matcha.
All three can be made hot or cold, and the recommended sugar level is 70%.
The Premium Jasmine Milk Tea and the Snowy Jasmine are actually identical when it comes to the liquid portion of the drink.
The only difference is that the Snowy Jasmine comes topped with a jasmine whipped cream, which adds a floral richness to each sip.
Both had that nicely balanced jasmine taste that the chain is known for.
The Premium Jasmine Matcha takes a different approach with a matcha cheese topping that sits on the lighter side, making it a solid pick if you want something a little more layered without being too heavy.
We also received the same Maple Dream box that the first 200 customers on April 18 will get.
Inside is a Vancouver limited edition city badge, a four leaf star pendant, and a pink sachet with a jasmine floral scent.
That last one is definitely going into our car.
During the visit, we spoke with Corey, the BC franchise owner.
He shared that this location was a long time coming as the permits took longer than expected, but once that got sorted, things moved very quickly.
He also mentioned that they are looking to continue expanding across the province, likely following a similar approach to the Toronto franchise owner when it comes to picking locations like malls.
Molly Tea has built a massive following across China with over 2000 stores globally, and it has already drawn huge lineups at its Toronto and Edmonton locations.
There is no doubt this Richmond spot will see the same energy for weeks after opening.
If you are someone who cannot wait for the hype to settle (and love lines), the three part grand opening event running from April 18 to 24 is the one to hit.
Phase 1 on April 18 and 19 kicks off with a buy one get one free deal (one order per person per day), plus the Maple Dream box for the first 200 guests each day.
Phase 2 from April 20 to 22 offers 50% off your second drink, plus a choice of merch with any purchase.
Phase 3 from April 23 to 24 wraps things up with a scratch and win card included with every purchase.
There are also promos live right now on the Molly Tea app, including a top up bonus and a pre-sale offer worth checking out before you go.
And if you are in the Union Square area before opening day, keep an eye out for a little pink cart stationed outside the shop giving out free samples here and there.
Will you be lining up on April 18?
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Address: Unit 1323 – 8368 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC