8 hours Ago By Fielding Buck
Redlands natives Tansu Philip and David Friedman believe there is power in small business. That’s the philosophy behind Viva la Boba , which they opened downown San Bernardino in 2019 and have now expanded to 501 Orange St. in their hometown.
“We always knew that we wanted to open in Redlands because we’re from Redlands. We live in Redlands,” Philip said. It opened on Friday, Jan.
31 with a welcome from A. K. Smiley Public Library.
Philip said historians brought over photos, historical advertisements, maps and other images going back to 1898, when the property was in the hands of photographer Elias F. Everitt . She put the items on display on a table near the counter for the opening.
Community is important to Philip and Friedman, who has a real estate business and according to Philip is interested in creating a renaissance in downtown San Bernardino. Their shop at 455 W. Fourth St.
is near several notable sites, including San Bernardino Superior Court, the Harris Building and the remains of the demolished Carousel Mall. They have similar ambitions for the new Redlands shop. “It’s about community, and for David and I community is Redlands.
” When Philip and Friedman were in high school, the property was occupied by Banned Skate Shop , and she said it’s surreal that she owns it today. Before that 501 Orange St. was Kay’s Cafe , and before Kay’s it was Woll’s Cafe, then Sam’s Cafe, Jim’s Cafe, and Sam’s Cafe again, according to a time line supplied by the library.
It took two years to make the old building ready for business. “It just took a lot of work. Because it was a skate shop and abandoned for so many years, it was not equipped for a boba business at all,” Philip said.
“If it was still Kay’s Cafe, it would have been way easier.” Beverages at Viva la Boba range from milk teas to smoothies and slushies, with a wide variety of add-ons. They have both a local and a world flavor, ranging from horchata milk tea to iced Indian chai.
Drinks are priced at $5-$10. The Redlands store sells snacks from KC’s Bakeshop and will soon have an espresso machine to reach the coffee crowd as well. Philip likes the energy on Orange Street.
“I have been loving the influx of small businesses in the past couple of years since we bought the building. I’d like to shout out the Overland — beautiful building. TheThree Stags.
Any of the family-owned businesses, we love it.” “Redlands is so much more than chain restaurants. We’re looking to be the kind of community where small, family-owned businesses have a shot at being successful.
” Information: vivalaboba.com Related Articles.
