Kung Fu Tea is Coming to 5th Ave

Kung Fu Tea Storefront (on Ave U., courtesy of Sheepshead Bites)

Kung-Fu Tea [8625 5th Ave] is headed to the 87th St. block of the 86th St corridor, right next to Blimpie.  Although a tenant for this space had been expected for some time, it was only a matter of time a chain-based bubble tea shop opened somewhere along this stretch.

Kung Fu Tea interior (courtesy of Yelp)

For some, this is a breath of fresh air, as this area had been devoid of tea-based stores.  For others, this is further affirmation that businesses that are addressing the burgeoning demand of kids/teens and more specifically, Asians, is happening slowly but surely.  One thing that's certain is that it poses stiff competition for Caffé Bene across the street in the tea/beverage segment, which opened earlier this year.