Rock Hard Boba's Fresh Flavor: New Management Aims to Shake Things Up!

Reporter: Clara Delarosa

Photographer: Lucien Levesque

Dates of Article and Photos: 1st November, 2023

Posted to the Observer Forums due to issues with the printed edition.

The Boba Boss

Look out campus, your boba balls are about to be handled by someone new! Blair Sinclair has officially earned the keys to Columtreal's best tentacle themed shop. Rock Hard Boba is pleased to announce that a store refresh is well underway, led by an extremely kind and ambitious young woman. Blair Sinclair is new to Hathian, but has shown that she has what it takes to make an impact on the community. I had the opportunity to sit down with Blair over a nice warm cup of joe and discuss her vision for the shop's future.

Editor's Note: Clara Delarosa also works at Rock Hard Boba, but the article has been written with the best attempt at avoiding company bias.

The Interview

Clara: "The first thing I wanted to ask you was if you could tell us a bit about yourself? It's always nice to let readers know a bit more about the brains behind the operation."

Blair: "Well I'm Blair Sinclair, 21, Aries. A recent transfer student from California. I'm a pre-med student with specialities in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. I've been investing in trends, and overall what's 'hot' internationally for quite some time. Boba or bubble tea is something I found on one of my travels, and instantly fell in love with it. It's fulfilling and delicious. Could be a meal or a snack, depending on what you get!"

Clara: "So is that what made you decide to be a manager here? The desire to bring a breath of fresh, trendy air to Hathian?

Blair: "It was either take over the boba shop, or try my shot at a thrift store. But, it's hard for the social media girlies to come over to a rinky dink place. Rock Hard Boba has potential. I had figured that with a boba shop, not a whole lot of people would be up for the task. Or really, how to go about 'exotic' drinks that weren't alcoholic."

Clara: "You have a worthwhile endeavor on your hands! I was wondering, is there any behind-the-scenes ancedote you can share about the challenges of running a tentacle themed boba shop that most people wouldn't be aware of?"

Blair: "Oh easy. The fetishization of it all. Squids and octopuses are cool, but people forget they're on a list for protection. At least, certain species. But I don't want to fall under a trope, or a stereotype. Rock Hard Boba, with my hopes, should become a hub for trends rather than... Hentai. If it were a hentai boba shop, I wouldn't be clothed. The most difficult thing has been attempting to gather the necessary materials needed for tapioca. We make everything here, rather than having it shipped from overseas. There's something about that homemade feel that just hits the right spots."

Clara: "Oh wow! No one can ever turn down anything homemade. You mentioned how the shop's theme has been a bit of an issue for your goals with the store. Do you find that people have been prone to lean towards that fetishization, and have they been receptive to your efforts to prove otherwise? I can see how it would be difficult when people come into the shop with preconceived notions of what to expect."

Blair: "Receptive? I'd say blind. It's been incredibly difficult, and even if I write in big bold letters 'CAMPUS APPROPRIATE ATTIRE,' I'll get asked where my maid uniform is. If I'm handling food, tapioca balls, and things that can ake people sick then I'm not gonna cheap out and wear a kimono or maid costume for extra tips... For a charity event, sure. But that's not until the new year. I'm here to provide a peaceful space for studying, listening to some vinyls, and enjoying trendy drinks and foods with a cute environment."

Clara: "It's always lovely to have a welcoming and inviting space to hangout with friends or go on a cute date! I love the new Novemeber specials menu that you've created. Can you describe the unique flavors and menu items that set Rock Hard Boba apart from traditional boba tea establishments?"

Blair: "Well, by incorporating the standard boba structure, I've twisted it in a way that's digestible to those that are a bit scared of trying something new. November's menu is full of traditional pillars in the Boba flavor world, and December has a few standouts - gingerbread-esq flavors, eggnog, and even some peppermint twists to really bring the shop into the festive spirit. As for making ourselves different, I try to make sure each drink is tasteful without too much sugar. Otherwise, the patients would begin to pile up at either the Campus Clinic or Hathian Geneneral Hospital. I really want our menu to be appetizing for all. Youth, citizens, and students alike. Anyone could stroll into Rock Hard Boba and find something they might like enough to dare to try."

Clara: "Wow, sounds like you have a stacked line-up planned. If the store's boba teas had personalities, which one would be the shop's best-selling drink, and why? Does it get along with the other drinks on the menu?"

Blair: "Oooh, probably the strawberry milk tea with strawberry popping boba. Super bubbly super sweet - but so addictive you'll want more. I would say strawberry gets along with the other drinks easily since it's easy to digest without being too sour or too sweet."

Clara: "A balanced, friendly drink, overloaded with strawberry goodness! Sounds delicious. I only have a couple questions left for you. I was wondering if you have any planned events coming up soon, maybe a grand reopening?"

Blair: "I do have plans for a reopening, but it'll be lowkey. A BOBA-BOGO - Bring a friend and get their drink free! Other than that we have weekly deals for specific drinks, and a new loyalty card for each customer that visits from now on. There's also plans in the works for a charity event for another business at some point, and then in Decemeber we're planning a study night for those that have missed classes. People can exchange notes, drinks, and general tips to surviving Columtreal."

Clara: "I really like the idea of study sessions and a small reopening. It's always nice to be more actively integrated into the campus community. Can you share one intriguing secret or surprise about your store that customers might not know, but you're willing to reveal? Every business in Columtreal usually has its secrets and hidden gems."

Blair: "An intriguing secret? Besides the alley and graveyard behind us, I feel corny to say but we do have a secret drink menu. Like Starbucks, or any other drink shop. Though with the introduction of loyalty cards you gotta visit a minimum of 8 times to even get a small sample of the secret menu."

Clara: "Oooh, so there's something for loyal customers to look forward too! I wonder what that menu might contain? One last question for tonight: Are you hiring, and what can people expect if they join your boba team?"

Blair: "What to expect? A boss to actually look out and care for your wellbeing. Someone who'd reach down and help you, and overall someone in your corner. The holidays are approaching, and with that comes the lonely season. We're looking for anyone who wants a change to build something great, or someone who wants a second chance at life with a fresh job that won't run you dry or force you to do anything you don't want to. All we ask for is loyalty, and honesty. All we ask for is kindness in return."

Hopefully my interview with Blair provides some good insight into what Rock Hard Boba is looking to achieve going forward, what customers can expect when they stop in, and makes people feel eager to try a new boba-licious drink! Stop by whenever you have the time as an eager staff happily awaits you. After the interview was conducted I received confirmation that the reopening BOBA-BOGO event is scheduled to be held all day Saturday, November 4th. If you're looking for a new job opportunity, feel free to hit the 'Help Wanted' sign when you make your way over!