Downtown Chaska just got its first bubble tea shop and it’s already turning heads. Bubble Time officially opened on May 26, offering a colorful menu of handcrafted drinks, freshly made mochi donuts and mochi ice cream.
The business is co-run by Joe Hintemeyer and his brother-in-law Anthony Yang, who are behind the counter daily. Family plays a big role in the shop’s operations: Hintemeyer’s daughter helps on weekends and other relatives run their original location in Forest Lake, along with a food truck.
“We’ve loved bubble tea for a long time and always talked about how we’d do things differently if we had our own place,” Hintemeyer said. “This felt like the right time and the right community to build something welcoming and fun.”
The choice of Chaska was no accident. The team was drawn to the city’s community feel, entrepreneurial energy and growing demand for unique beverage options.
Opening day was emotional, Hintemeyer said. “It was amazing to see so many people come out. Having our family help throughout the day really cemented that we’re doing something meaningful here.”
While bubble tea spots are growing in popularity, Bubble Time is setting itself apart with personal customer service, fresh-made mochi donuts and most slushies being made with fresh fruit.
“A lot of shops make you order through an iPad,” Hintemeyer said. “We like to connect with people and give recommendations based on what they like, not just our top selling item.” The business is already starting to get repeat customers and regulars.
When CCLN visited, the personal touch was obvious. Hintemeyer took time between orders to ask about this reporter’s favorite flavors. A cautious, bubble-tea-newbie, I ended up with a mango bubble tea with strawberry pearls — sweet and refreshing — and a still-warm chocolate mochi donut that didn’t last more than a few minutes.
CCLN reporter Neil Wingert described his first experience as utter confusion — and total delight.
“I didn’t know what I was putting in my face. It’s one of the strangest things I’ve ever had,” he said. “You suck them in through this big straw and then pop them in your mouth,” he explained. “There’s liquid inside the sphere. I don’t know how that’s done.”
Bubble Time is rotating two new donut flavors each month — currently mango and strawberry lemonade, and experimenting with limited-time drink add-ons like Kiwi popping pearls. They are also working on a punch card loyalty program for returning guests.
Whether you’re already a bubble tea fan or just bubble-curious, Bubble Time invites you to stop in, grab a straw and try something new.
Bubble Time is located off Chaska Boulevard and Audobon Road, in the location previously home to Mayta’s Cafe (1340 Crystal Lane East). Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sunday. The shop is closed on Mondays.
