Lollicup is a coffee and tea drink shop that has more than just a good drink to offer.
One of TJ's familiar faces Melanie Walker is ready to whip up a drink. Photo by Mia Nogueira
With décor to fit the time of year, music to set the mood, snacks to munch on, and a drink to quench anyone’s thirst, Lollicup, located at 1589 S. Colorado Blvd, is a drink shop that provides a comfortable place to hang with friends, all within a family oriented atmosphere.
There are only a few minutes before lunch and everyone turns to their friends, asking them where they are going to eat. When Lollicup is thrown into the mix of lunch hot spots, some turn, asking what Lollicup is. When ready to try something new and different, Lollicup is the go-to spot. “We have something different to offer, and have a nice atmosphere. You can come here to relax, or meet up with people to hang out,” said Ching Yuan, who is the sister of Lollicup owner, Kuh Yuan.
The siblings have worked together for their entire food service careers, which began in 1982 when their parents opened the Red Coral, a Chinese restaurant located right next door to Lollicup. “It is not unusual for me to be working around my family; it’s easier with more flexible hours,” said Ching. Lollicup is currently working on extending their drink menu by adding more snacks and frozen yogurt to their offerings, though there are usually small snacks available, like steamed buns with a variety of fillings inside, which are brought over from the Red Coral.
Lollicup derives from the Asian culture, originating in Taiwan. The franchises can be found all over the country, most popularly in California. The drink shop is a phenomenon that has continued to rise over the years and spread across the country. Lollicup is now celebrating its seventh year of doing business in the Denver area. “I was confident in helping my brother manage and open the location because we both understand the time, commitment and effort that has to be put into your own restaurant. We knew what we were getting into with the back preparation for the industry,” said Ching.
The store bosts nine employees to help keep it running smoothly; one of TJ’s very own Spartans, Melanie Walker, has been working at Lollicup for five months. “I have been coming to Lollicup since middle school, and I love it here. Everyone I work with is very nonjudgmental and friendly,” said Walker, whose favorite drink is a royal milk tea with boba for $3.72.
Lollicup has over 100 tea and fruity flavors to offer, and any two flavors can be combined to make a unique mixed drink. There are also different consistencies to choose from: a snow bubble is a creamy blended drink, slush is similar to an icy, milk tea is a creamy tea, and flavored iced teas and juices are also available. In addition, there are different ingredients to add to the drink: bobas are very popular among the Asian culture; it is a ball of tapioca pudding that sits at the bottom of the drink. Puddings and jellies can all be added for a twist to the drink. Any drink can be served hot or cold with either milk or soy. When ready to order, one must choose the mixture of flavors, consistency, and the option to add an extra ingredient. For $3.39 one can get a regular size or – for 49 cents more – one can upgrade to a large, and for a few cents more you can add ingredients. Up to two flavors can be combined to create an explosion of rich and lush infusion.
The food portion of the menu is furnished with Asian snacks; things like Hello Pandas, Yan Yan, Hi-Chew, and steamed pork buns are available.
The most popular flavor happens to also be my favorite flavor, as well. The Royal Snow Bubble with boba is a cold creamy mixture that glides over my taste buds leaving a sweet and sensational taste. The Royal is a tea that gives the drink a refreshing and lively taste, giving me a blast of caffeine for just $3.72.
For anyone who needs a variety, Lollicup has more than enough to suffice. Lollicup is a great option to fill time between early-release on Wednesdays before sports and other activities. It is a great place to hangout with friends, and it has games and reading materials to keep everyone busy. So Spartans, keep Lollicup in mind for a quick refill or a comfortable meeting spot. For the full drink menu visit their website at www.lollicupdenver.com.
