HODGDON, Maine — In response to increasing demand for her specialty tea products, Randi Farrar, a local entrepreneur, has decided to expand her business following the closure of her downtown Houlton tea and herb shop earlier this year. Farrar noted that the absence of her shop led to comments from customers lamenting the loss of her fresh brews.
Farrar took action by certifying her kitchen, procuring a larger vehicle, and purchasing a 40-slot cup holder, which allowed her to begin delivering her specialty boba iced teas to businesses and a few residential customers in Houlton. “It just went crazy,” she remarked, describing the robust demand that now sees her delivering over 100 iced teas daily.
With business booming, Farrar has opted to open a new drive-through tea and coffee shop, named Randi’s Corner Perk, in nearby Hodgdon. She explained that the name is a playful nod to the fictional Central Perk from the sitcom “Friends.” The new establishment is set to serve an array of beverages, including her popular boba teas, made with popping pearls instead of traditional tapioca—”They are juice balls, and when you suck them up through the straw they explode in your mouth,” Farrar explained.
Randi’s Corner Perk is scheduled to open its doors by Thanksgiving and will operate annually during the fall, winter, and spring. Alongside boba and chaga teas, the menu will include coffee, cappuccinos, and quick food options such as muffins and hot egg sandwiches. The establishment, housed in a vibrant blue Amish-built structure, will include seating for approximately 20 patrons, pending approval from the fire marshal.
Farrar collaborates with Alyssa Hutchinson on her chaga tea blends, which will be available at the new drive-through location along with products from her Lotus and Leaf business. The building features a near cobalt blue color with white trim, and Farrar continues to develop exterior menu boards that can withstand the harsh Maine winters.
The decision to open a drive-through model was reinforced by a positive response from a Facebook post inquiring about community interest. “I got a huge response,” Farrar mentioned, noting that prospective customers prefer the convenience of remaining in their vehicles, particularly during the winter months.
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