Berkeley's caffeine scene got a hefty sugar, tapioca, and anime jolt. The wildly popular boba outfit, The Alley, known for their decadent Brown Sugar drinks, has opened its first Bay Area tea shop, branching out from its already established locations in Southern California and beyond, according to a KRON4 report.
Strategically placed at 2315 Telegraph Ave., the new Berkeley spot comes with a buzz; the launch coincides with a collaboration with anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, setting the scene for a cultural crossover that sees limited edition drinks and fan-coveted merchandise flying off the shelves, the chain's Instagram account revealed amid the festivities which are only a prelude to the grand opening scheduled for January 20, where early birds can snag goodie bags and partake in a lucky draw with tech prizes up for grabs including a MacBook Air, iPads, and Airpods Pro.
Even before its official grand opening, The Alley is pulling in the crowds, with eager fans of both the anime and the boba chain lining up early in the morning for a chance at exclusive Jujutsu Kaisen swag during the soft opening. By half past noon, most of the day's stash had been snatched up, revealing imagery from the scene depicts a spot bathed in natural light, offering an inviting vibe.
The anticipation surrounding the Alley's latest unveiling isn't just about boba, it's a testament to the brand's dedicated following, which avidly consumes updates from The Alley's highly followed Instagram, a social media platform that currently boasts over 42,000 followers and serves as a hub for announcements and customer engagement, including sneak peeks and offerings like the buy-one-get-one deals during their soft opening running until January 19 before the big event unfolds from noon to 8 p.m. on the 20th, with special treats to the first 100 guests.
