Birmingham Welcomes New Boba Tea Shop: Tay’s Teas

Tay’s Teas, a new boba tea shop in Birmingham's Parkside.

News Summary

Birmingham’s Parkside district introduces Tay’s Teas, a boba tea shop created by local entrepreneurs Yanisa and James Odom. Located at 1701 1st Ave S Unit 105, the grab-and-go café features a Thai-inspired menu with drinks like milk tea and fruit teas. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tay’s Teas aims to enrich the local culinary landscape, following a successful series of pop-up events and supported by a grant from the Birmingham Open for Business program. Their future plans include offering new menu items, contributing to community vibrancy.

Birmingham Welcomes New Boba Tea Shop: Tay’s Teas in Parkside

Birmingham’s Parkside district is experiencing a culinary boost with the recent opening of Tay’s Teas, a grab-and-go boba tea shop founded by local entrepreneurs Yanisa and James Odom. Located at 1701 1st Ave S Unit 105, the shop offers a menu inspired by Thai flavors, featuring a variety of drinks such as milk tea, butterfly pea lemonade, fruit teas, smoothies, and a diverse assortment of boba. The establishment is open daily from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., providing a convenient stop for visitors to the nearby Railroad Park.

From Pop-Up Success to Permanent Location

The Odoms established Tay’s Teas following a series of successful pop-up events and participation in local markets. This transition reflects a growing trend of food entrepreneurs in Birmingham leveraging their initial market presence to secure permanent locations, which can stimulate economic activity in local communities.

Support for Local Entrepreneurs

The opening of Tay’s Teas was partially made possible through a $34,615 grant from the Birmingham Open for Business program. This initiative is designed to support small businesses, enhancing regional entrepreneurship and local job creation. As the city actively promotes such programs, factors like community development and economic diversity come to the forefront of policy discussions.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The new boba shop is poised to contribute to vibrancy in the Parkside district, known for its burgeoning food scene. The Odoms plan to expand their menu in the near future with offerings such as garden rolls and mango sticky rice, aiming to further enrich the local culinary landscape.

As Birmingham continues to attract small businesses, expert insights highlight the importance of local economic growth in bolstering community resilience. The expansion of diverse food options could not only enhance the local dining experience but also foster community interaction, thereby reinforcing the socio-economic fabric of the area.

Local Economic Trends

Birmingham has seen a wave of small business openings in 2025, with new establishments like Tay’s Teas contributing to a broader trend of revitalization in urban areas. Analysts suggest that such small businesses can play a crucial role in job creation and can help spur local tourism as more individuals flock to explore the evolving Parkside district.

The dynamics created by these new openings underscore a potential shift in consumer behavior towards supporting local businesses, emphasizing quality and uniqueness over franchises. This trend aligns with national movements advocating for local purchasing, contributing to sustainable community development.

In conclusion, as Tay’s Teas embarks on its journey in Birmingham, both the local economy and residents stand to benefit from the increased culinary diversity and employment opportunities in the Parkside district. With ongoing support for small businesses, the community can expect ongoing growth and enhancement of its vibrant identity.