KRAK: What’s better than boba? Boba with a creative twist!
By: Leilani Orozco, Staff Writer
The global pandemic is louder than ever but one sound rises above the noise: the grand opening of Krak Boba! With only half an hour left before the opening, the Krak Boba team gets their game face on and prepares to open their doors for consumers, eager to buy some bubbly, fresh, chilled goodness. Lines wrap around the Town Square on Chicago Ave, even in the intense heat of the California sun. Customers will stop at nothing to get a drink from this new place. But what’s so special about this boba place, and why are so many people here? Are the drinks here really that delicious? The answer is quite simple. Krak Boba is not your typical Boba place.
Inspired by the story of a folktale Prince named Krakus, who became king after protecting his kingdom by slaying a dragon, Krak Boba’s logo has two K’s that stand for King Krakus. Krak Boba’s mission is to reinvent boba drinks. According to employee Jordan Yin, Krak Boba wants to keep the classic drinks but also add their own inventions to the menu. “ We would like people to know that we know we are different from what people know boba as,” claims Yin. Their menu has all the basic milk teas and fruit teas as well as some creative inventions. Their original drinks were inspired by those of different countries, including the Guerilla Thai, Strawberry Matcha Latte, and Tarro Twist.
Krak Boba softly opened back in June so that they could see what drinks customers preferred. Unfortunately, the pandemic delayed the grand opening, but on July 18th, many customers lined up to get a drink. Safety precautions were made, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and disinfectant for hands. Tents and misters were put up to keep customers cool in the heat, and employees worked rapidly and arduously to get customers the drinks they were patiently waiting for. “It was my second week there, and a lot to take in,” expressed employee Abi Arreglado. As a customer myself, I know the grand opening was a success because I felt very happy after receiving my drink. Krak Boba stressed that their priority is quality service to their customers. Yin explained that she knows the drinks at Krak Boba aren’t typical, and if customers don’t like the drinks, they want to ensure that at least they were satisfied with the service. “We focus on quality,” said employee Abi Arreglado.
The few visits I’ve made to Krak Boba were definitely positive. As I entered, the team greeted me with a big “Welcome to Krak Boba!” Although safety precautions are put in place, the employee’s smile shines even through the mask. Stickers have been given out as well as munch cards that can be stamped after different purchases. The environment Krak Boba creates is friendly and positive. Yin believes Riverside is Krak Boba’s home even if they expand to other locations, she hopes the Riverside community will continue to support Krak Boba and it’s unique inventions.
So what’s so special about this boba place? Well, it brings out a new and creative side of boba. It’s a place where coworkers become each other’s best friends, and as Arreglado said, it’s a place where quality is valued. So let’s cheer on Krak Boba and their reinvention of boba!!