Stores come and go in Amherst, but some are here to stay due to their uniqueness and quality customer service. Only three weeks into business, the new LimeRed Teahouse may be here to stay. Located a couple doors down from Bueno Y Sano, it has found quite the niche in the Amherst business community. With an eye catching slogan and bright colors, LimeRed attracts enough customers they are lining up outside the door.

LimeRed offers customers a variety of specialty teas including Bubble Tea and Ice Blizzards. Never tried Bubble Tea before? The friendly staff is more than happy to explain what it is and offer up any flavor suggestions. Taro Milk Tea is a favorite for customers new to Bubble Tea because it is smooth and neutral, but has a different taste than what people are used to.

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan about 30 years ago. It is a milk tea base with added flavoring and tapioca pearls, called “boba,” which are jellies that fall to the bottom of the glass and add a chewy texture. The tea is shaken until a foamy layer forms at the top of the glass, giving bubble tea its name.

Teahouses are an urban trend in the Taiwan community which has gained popularity in the United States. Amazingly, teahouses are generally unique from one another with different flavor and drink options. Most teahouses in the U.S. are located in big cities such as New York City, which gave young entrepreneur Joe Deng the inspiration to open his own teahouse.

“My friend went to Smith College, and she loved bubble tea but was so disappointed that there was not a teahouse in the area,” said Deng. Opening a teahouse has been a dream of Deng’s since college, and Deng found Amherst to be the perfect location to pursue his goal.

Only two years out of college, Deng pulled together enough funds in three months to start LimeRed.  He chose Amherst not only for the opportunity to bring something new to the community, but also, because there is not much for people under 21 to do at night. LimeRed offers a fun and colorful alternative for all ages. Currently open every night until 11:30 p.m., Deng hopes to extend the hours as his customer base grows.

“It’s a place for friends to come together,” said Deng. True to his word, LimeRed Teahouse is an awesome chill spot. Deng envisions LimeRed as a place for friends to congregate and enjoy a playful, innocent drink.

It’s also a fun way to spend an afternoon. The building is newly renovated with clean wood floors, brick interior and bright lighting. They even offer WiFi for those looking for a cool place to study. LimeRed Teahouse continues to grow in popularity, and Deng says he will be staying true to its Taiwanese roots. Priding his business on its uniqueness and authenticity, Deng said, “You won’t find cookies and cream on my menu.”

Despite that, there are hundreds of options to choose from. There are flavors such as mango, papaya, coconut and so many more. The Ice Blizzards are also highly recommended and have been a big hit. Made with ice cream, these exceptional cold drinks are going to be a fabulous way to cool down as the weather gets warmer. Deng also hopes to expand the teahouse’s food menu to include a wider variety of desserts and make LimeRed a “sweet place to eat.”

“Our customer base is mostly female right now,” said Deng, “but if the girls are here, the guys will come!”

LimeRed Teahouse is open from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. Visit the restaurant’s website at limeredteahouse.com to check out its full menu. The teahouse is located downtown at 50 Main Street.

Mandy Pote can be reached at [email protected].