Richmond’s bubble tea scene is no stranger to comings and goings.
Just last year we had major chains like Yifang and Machi Machi pulling out of BC.
And it looks like the last outpost of another chain is about to close.
Song Tea is officially shutting down its last remaining Richmond location at the end of March.
Our Noms Mag community member (alannnblu) came through with the tip—turns out, the Richmond store’s owner quietly shared the news in their WeChat group.
Red Book user Evaaaa_M shared the message from the group chat in her post (translation further down).
So if you’ve been meaning to revisit your go-to fruit tea spot, you’ve got just days left.
Song Tea is a global chain that first popped onto the BC bubble tea scene back in 2019 at Richmond’s Empire Centre and eventually, opening new outposts in Kerrisdale and Burnaby.
But over the last two years, the other locations faded away, leaving the Richmond one.
Although Song Tea wasn’t a super popular brand on social media, it had its fair share of loyal customers for their fruit teas.
Many locals still swear it’s the best in town.
And who could forget their chaotic genius moment when they dropped a cilantro bubble tea?
@vancouverfoodie Stumbled upon this in Richmond, BC #bbt #milktea #boba #bobatea #bubbletea #cilantro ♬ edamame – bbno$
Love it or hate it, they had people talking.
While no official reason was given for the closure, Empire Centre has been heating up lately with new food court openings like Chadon and One Cafe.
During the weekends the entire food court is completely packed.
Still, the Song Tea news has hit hard.
On Chinese socials, longtime fans are mourning the end of an era, with some saying they’ve been loyal customers since their uni days.
In the owner’s own words (translated into English): “In these six years, I’ve lost a lot, but I’ve also gained even more. I’m grateful for every encounter! Thank you all for your support of Song Tea over the years. Even the best encounters must come to an end. Song Tea will be saying goodbye on March 31st. We’re not sure what the future holds, but we hope to spend this last month with you with no regrets, no resentment, and no loose ends.”
But as one tea door closes, others open.
Richmond’s bubble tea pipeline is still going strong with new spots like Chahalo, YoTea, and Molly Tea on the way.
So get that last Song Tea fix while you can.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 4540 Number 3 Rd #1015, Richmond, BC