The Bubble Gets Bigger

Want to capitalize on a booming trend? There's a lot to learn from Kung Fu Tea

- TRACY STAPP HEROLD

The drink goes by many names: bubble tea, boba tea, pearl milk tea, and tapioca tea. But whatever you call it, you've surely seen it all across America with its colorful liquids and tapioca balls. The drink originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and then made its way to America, where brands are now recognizing its huge consumer demand.

One of the leaders in the space is Kung Fu Tea-a brand founded by four Taiwanese entrepreneurs who opened their first store in April 2010, spent a year perfecting the concept, opened for franchising in 2011, and now have more than 300 locations. Marketing manager Matthew Poveromo spills the tea on how it happened.

What's fueling bubble tea's popularity in America?