It is sad when places that have been around since our childhood finally shuts down.
But this is the reality of both the current state of the food industry and the passage of time.
Today, we sadly share news we spotted on Chinese social media: the old-school bubble tea stall, Tea Plus, in Crystal Mall Food Court, has permanently closed.
Tea Plus has been a fixture in Crystal Mall since its opening in 2000.
It was a simple stall entirely run by one woman, offering a variety of bubble tea, slushes and bubble waffles.
You would ALWAYS hear their noisy blender working away.
Even though the shop was established well before the influx of bubble tea chains began popping up, it stood its ground and accrued a loyal customer base.
A post shared on Chinese social media displays a goodbye sign placed on the counter of Tea Plus, thanking people for their support over the last 24 years.
It also mentions a hope to serve customers again in the future, suggesting that the bubble tea shop may return in another location and form.
The shop officially closed on April 6th.
It is uncertain who will take over the stall, but it is a sad time for locals who grew up here, as another longtime food joint is gone.
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Address: Crystal Mall Food Court, Burnaby, BC