TEXARKANA, Texas - Boba Etc is the latest flavor at Texarkana's Central Mall. Originating in Mount Pleasant, Texas, the newest addition to the food court features bubble tea, rolled ice cream and soon, sushi.
"We feature flavors from all over Asia, such as Vietnam, Taiwan and such. Boba refers to the actual pearls, both chewies (filled with tapioca) and the juicy, popping
ones," said Demertrice Okafer, owner of Boba Etc. "Bubble tea, on the other hand, refers to how bubble tea is made, which creates a frothy bubble surface."
Okafer and her family travel a lot, which is how she developed her taste for flavors Asian.
"I'm originally from small town Arkansas, the sort of town most don't leave," she said. "So as soon as I could, I traveled, eventually with my family and discovered so many flavors out there. Eventually, I came up with the idea of Boba Etc as a way to share them, bring a bit of Asia to the area."
Okafer started in Mount Pleasant about a year ago and it received a positive reception.
"The community has supported us, especially the younger set," she said. "They try it and they love it. We have something for every age group."
Okafer and her family operate both locations.
"My husband and children have been a big help to me," she said. "Victor Rodriquez, my elder son, manages the Texarkana location. He has been with the business since the beginning and has been key in establishing the style of Boba Etc."