By: Tori Schubert

People Editor 

Dazzling customers with a welcoming, bright pink interior, Ume Tea recently held its grand opening following the closure of boba shop Tea Fermata and is prepared to devotedly serve the community.

Tea Fermata originally opened in 2019 as the first boba shop in Los Gatos. Since then, additional shops have been opened nearby, such as Auzzy the Bear Cafe and T4. However, none holds the same atmosphere as Tea Fermata, with its bright blue walls and lively signs. After a recent post on their Instagram (@teafermata), they announced the closing of their store for “internal upgrades,” stating, “We look forward to welcoming you back in the future with a refreshed look!” Since then, Ume Tea has taken over the location, sure to uphold Tea Fermata’s vibrant standards. 

With grand opening events from Nov. 22 to 25, the shop held a variety of offers, including discounts, Buy-One-Get-One deals, and free merchandise. By providing customers with a unique offer each day, they certainly made their mark on Los Gatos, becoming the talk of the town immediately. 

Ume Tea provides some similar and also new menu items compared to Tea Fermata, allowing for a refreshed look and taste, while still catering to customers’ favorites. They also offer seasonal menu items and often introduce new flavors and blends throughout the year. The popcorn chicken is one of many returning menu items, along with certain drinks, making Ume Tea a new yet familiar establishment. LGHS sophomore and boba fanatic Kousha Ardakani described Ume as “a great addition to downtown Los Gatos.”

With locations spanning from California to Illinois, the franchise has certainly kept a wide range of customers engaged, not only through its varying menu options but also with a unique rewards system. A certain category of menu items, known as Honor of Kings (HOK), can earn customers mystery HOK badges. If a customer collects every badge, they can win prizes such as an Ume Blind Box, gift cards, and even an iPhone 17. In addition, they hold a membership reward system, earning an Ume coin for every dollar spent. Customers can accumulate coins, receive rewards and coupons, or spend coins on drinks and food items. These systems ensure an interactive experience between the customer and business, while simultaneously creating memorable encounters. The company values more than just customer satisfaction, stating, “We believe in creating special moments that celebrate the unique connection between you and me.”

With its lively ambiance, variety of food and drinks, and interactive quests, Ume Tea is waiting for your visit in the heart of downtown, eager to meet its next customer.