Gong Cha & Kremo Ice Cream celebrate grand opening in the Five Points
November 15, 2021
National Chains Gong Cha and Kremo Ice Cream Open in the Five Points District!
Gong Cha and Kremo, located at 701-B Santee Avenue, hosted their official Grand Opening in Five Points on Monday, November 15th.
The opening began with a ribbon-cutting presented by the Five Points Association. Patrons enjoyed two delicious offerings under one roof – bubble tea and rolled ice cream!
“I chose to open my businesses in Columbia because it’s my hometown, and my kids plan to go to USC,” states David Tran, owner. “…I wanted to bring a great boba tea shop to Columbia and find a location that was close to USC and also close to where I grew up.”
Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Gong Cha, which translates to “tribute tea for the emperor,” opened its doors into a highly saturated bubble tea market. The success of Gong Cha in Taiwan was proof that customers responded favorably to the premium quality tea, products and services offered:
- Fresh tea brewed every four hours
- Pearl (bubbles) cooked to perfection every four hours
- Tea sourced from the finest Taiwan tea estates
- Strict quality control for all ingredients
In April 2014, Gong Cha USA opened its first franchise store in Flushing, Queens. To this day there are forty-seven outlets total within New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Texas and now South Carolina! Gong Cha USA’s specialty, known as “milk foam,” became a hit with many customers as it offered a new take on tea-based drinks. Their milk foam is a slightly salted cream topping above freshly brewed tea.
At Gong Cha, they believe in serving quality bubble tea. Their teas can be blended with a variety of fruits, toppings and creative mixes. Gong Cha prides itself on offering fresh tea and toppings for their customers every day by keeping their tea and tapioca pearls fresh every four hours.
Click on the photos below for a better look:
Gong Cha will also be accompanied by another national brand – Kremo Ice Cream – based out of Atlanta.
Kremo Ice Cream specializes in gourmet ice cream rolls made-to-order, and their cream is freshly made daily in small batches as the cream is locally-sourced in Georgia. They offer popular – as well as seasonal – fruit toppings, roasted nuts and a variety of other options to complement their ice cream. Kremo Ice Cream only uses the freshest fruits and ingredients.
Every ice cream is chopped by hand and carefully crafted into delicious frozen treats served in a cup or their homemade waffle cone. They believe you can taste the difference, because it is different. From ingredients to techniques, they are committed to making delicious made-to-order ice cream.
Both businesses will be housed in one location on Santee Avenue in Five Points behind SC Nails – just off Blossom Street.
“Five Points was ideal because of its proximity to USC, high car and pedestrian traffic and all the events that are hosted there,” says Tran.
To learn more about Gong Cha Columbia, please visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/columbiagongcha or https://www.gongchausa.com/. To learn more about Kremo Ice Cream Columbia, please visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaKremo or https://www.kremoicecream.com/.
About Gong Cha
Gong Cha is one of the most recognized bubble tea brands around the world. Known for quality tea and service, Gong Cha has withheld its reputation against many existing competitors. Since its establishment in 2006, Gong Cha has expanded to over fifteen countries and 1,500+ locations worldwide and growing. Gong Cha’s continuous development around the world hasn’t affected its initial mission to provide every customer quality tea products. Their core values of quality, innovation and service have made Gong Cha the successful bubble tea brand it is today.
About Kremo Ice Cream
At Kremo Ice Cream, they aren’t just making hand-rolled gourmet ice cream. They are taking it to new heights using natural and locally sourced cream, thus making every roll extra creamy and delicious. Their fresh, sweet cream is pasteurized daily in their kitchen. All of their ice cream rolls are made-to-order. Using real fruit flavors and gourmet ingredients, combined with hand-rolling techniques, it truly makes Kremo Ice Cream a delicious and special experience.
About the Five Points Association
As an advocate for the district’s businesses, the Five Points Association strives to guide development and improvements that will enhance the vitality of Five Points. The FPA also works diligently to promote Five Points to Columbia and beyond while cultivating inclusivity internally as a neighborhood. Evident by over 100 years of history, viability and recognition as an iconic locale, the success of Five Points would not be possible without the reciprocating support between the neighboring businesses, support staff, partners and companionship of the City of Columbia and Richland County.
While fostering those relationships, supporting the businesses, and continuously showcasing Five Points and its treasures, the Five Points Association and its Board of Directors continue the beautification, collaboration and development efforts to empower growth, upholding the historic legacy of Columbia’s original village neighborhood. For over 100 years, Five Points has grown, evolved and been an icon in Columbia and beyond! For nearly forty years, the Five Points Association has led remarkable endeavors and continues the legacy of priceless accomplishments.
