How to Open a Boba Tea Shop in Los Angeles and Orange County

What to Know Before You Sign a Lease or Buy Equipment

Opening a boba tea shop in Los Angeles or Orange County looks simple from the outside, but it is still classified as a food service business, which means permits, health department rules, and construction requirements apply. While boba shops are usually easier to build than full restaurants, they are more regulated than coffee-only concepts.

Understanding the process early helps avoid delays, redesigns, and unexpected costs.

Step 1: Define Your Boba Concept Clearly

Before choosing a space, it’s important to define exactly what you will serve. A boba shop offering only drinks is treated differently from one that also serves snacks, desserts, or cooked food. Even small menu additions can change health department requirements, plumbing needs, and equipment layout. Many projects slow down because the concept expands after plans are submitted.

Being clear about whether your shop is drink-only, prep-only, or includes hot food is one of the most important early decisions.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Space

The ideal space for a boba tea shop already has food service history. Existing plumbing, floor drains, and electrical capacity can significantly reduce build-out costs. In Los Angeles and Orange County, many boba shops are built in former cafés or dessert shops for this reason. Dry retail spaces often require more plumbing work than expected, especially for sinks, ice machines, and dishwashing.

Ventilation needs are usually minimal compared to restaurants, but storage, refrigeration space, and workflow behind the counter should not be underestimated.

Step 3: Permits & Health Department Requirements

Boba tea shops must comply with local Building Department and Health Department requirements. Plans are reviewed for food safety, sanitation, equipment placement, and accessibility. Even though there is no cooking in many boba concepts, inspectors still closely review sinks, handwashing stations, and surfaces.

Permitting timelines vary by city, and first-time owners often underestimate how long approvals can take, especially if drawings are incomplete or unclear.

Step 4: Boba Shop Build-Out & Equipment Planning

Construction for a boba tea shop focuses on the service counter, prep area, and back-of-house workflow. Plumbing for sinks and floor drains, electrical for sealing machines and refrigerators, and durable finishes are key priorities. Equipment placement affects daily efficiency and inspection approval, so layout planning matters more than décor early on.

Compared to coffee shops, boba shops often require more refrigeration and storage but less ventilation and fire protection.

Step 5: Budgeting Realistically

Opening a boba tea shop in Los Angeles or Orange County usually costs less than opening a restaurant, but costs can rise quickly if the space needs plumbing upgrades or ADA restroom changes. Permits, plan revisions, and inspections should be included in the budget, along with a contingency for older buildings where hidden issues are common.

Many owners focus on branding and equipment while underestimating construction and soft costs.

Step 6: Inspections & Opening

Before opening, the boba tea shop must pass building inspections and a final Health Department inspection. Inspectors focus on sanitation, sink access, equipment clearances, and accessibility. Scheduling inspections early and allowing time for corrections helps prevent last-minute opening delays.

Once approvals are complete, boba shops typically open faster than restaurants but slower than coffee-only concepts.

Boba Tea Shop FAQ – Los Angeles & Orange County

Do I need permits to open a boba tea shop in California?

Yes. Opening a boba tea shop in Los Angeles or Orange County requires building permits and Health Department approval. Even drink-only boba shops are regulated as food service businesses.

Do boba tea shops need Health Department approval?

Yes. Boba tea shops must pass Health Department plan review and final inspection because they handle food ingredients, ice, and beverages.

Can I open a boba tea shop without cooking food?

Yes. Many boba shops operate without cooking. However, sinks, sanitation stations, food-safe surfaces, and proper equipment placement are still required.

Do boba tea shops need a grease interceptor?

Not always. Drink-only boba shops may not require one, but adding food preparation or dishwashing can trigger grease management requirements. This must be confirmed during plan review.

How many sinks are required in a boba tea shop?

The number of sinks depends on your menu and layout. Handwashing sinks are always required, and additional sinks may be needed for food prep or equipment cleaning.

Can I open a boba tea shop in any retail space?

No. The space must allow food service use and support plumbing, electrical, and accessibility requirements. Dry retail spaces often require plumbing upgrades.

Do boba tea shops need special ventilation?

Most boba tea shops do not require commercial ventilation hoods unless cooking equipment is added. General ventilation and HVAC compliance are still required.

How long does it take to open a boba tea shop in Los Angeles or Orange County?

Timelines vary, but boba shops usually open faster than full restaurants. Permitting, construction, and inspections often take several months.

How much does it cost to build a boba tea shop?

Costs depend on space condition, city requirements, and equipment needs. Shops with previous food use typically cost less to build than empty retail spaces.

What inspections are required before opening?

Boba tea shops must pass building inspections and a final Health Department inspection before opening.

What is the biggest mistake first-time boba shop owners make?

The most common mistake is expanding the menu after permits are submitted, which often triggers redesigns, new approvals, and delays.