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There’s another spot for Long Islanders to get their boba tea fix.
That’s because Kelly Zhou recently opened her third YAAAS Tea on Long Island — this one in Hauppauge on Motor Parkway.
Zhou, who grew up in China, launched her company in Farmingdale in 2021. A year later, she expanded to Huntington.
“Our goal is to bridge cultures and to deliver the most authentic and delicious Asian treats in the American market,” Zhou previously told greaterlongisland.com.
Some of the more popular flavors include Brown Sugar Bobo, creme brûlée-style drinks, classic milk teas and fresh teas. The toppings are what really bring the drinks together, such as different flavor bobas, lychees and jellies.
Zhou said her passion for the boba tea business comes from her upbringing; she was born in a small Chinese village in the province of Fujian.
“Growing up, my childhood memories were filled with sweet moments of family and friends sitting together and enjoying the tea and desserts my grandma made,” Zhou said.
Now, she has her eyes set on sharing all of her favorite childhood treats with folks across Long Island. Zhou has plans to rapidly expand and open 20 locations across the region.
Last month, Zhou invited the community and local elected officials to celebrate her new spot at 694 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge for a grand opening.
“This is a dynamite location, and we are thrilled to have them here with us,” Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Please scroll down for photos of the new YAAAS location.
Top featured photo: YAAAS Tea ribbon-cutting ceremony. (L-R) David Chiang, Anthony Carter, Kelly Zhou, Angie Carpenter, Chenny Chen, Anthony Forgione. (Credit: Starr Fuentes)
Starr Fuentes is a freelance writer and broadcast journalist for Greater Long Island. She previously worked at News 12 and is currently an assignment editor for WCBS. She’s a graduate of Five Towns College with a degree in mass communications.
