Community Highlights: Meet Zhaoqiang Xu of BobaMania Athens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zhaoqiang Xu.

Hi Zhaoqiang, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
BobaMania is a shop that sells premium bubble tea. We are a locally, independently owned business located in Midtown Village minutes away from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. The majority of our drinks are caffeinated and contain some form of boba. We offer 26 flavors plus additional seasonal offerings.

In 2024, we decided to open the first store in GA, We choose Athens, UGA as our first location, because UGA is a vibrant community and filled with curious minds…

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have faced many challenges along the way.
1) we need to convert the place from single family residence to commercial building
2) we need to learn a lot to meet the requirements of government agencies such as planning departments and health department. they are very friendly and help us along the way. we really appreciate it.
3) our business meets a very cold starting as the community does not recognize us yet.
4) then we underestimate the difficulties and capital needed in transforming the store
5) we overestimate the market and popularity of boba team in the community

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Provide delicious milk tea drinks to customers

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
integrity
honest
wiling to learn and admit the mistakes and unknowns
willing to try and take bold movement
willing to take different paths than most people

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bobamania.com/our-story