Last Friday morning I visited Mr. Wish’s Upper Darby branch, located on the second floor of the bustling Asian grocery supermarket ‘Hmart’. Even at this early hour, the store’s co-owner, Robert, was already busy preparing for the lunch rush. As noon approached, foot traffic increased, with customers flocking to the bubble tea shop while others filled the nearby food court. Two college-aged employees were at the counter, prepping fresh bubble tea ingredients and serving customers, making Mr. Wish a hive of activity.
This Taiwanese-inspired bubble tea franchise, which has been open in Upper Darby for nearly five years, offers a variety of fresh fruit drinks catering to diverse tastes. According to Robert, Mr. Wish sets itself apart by focusing on healthy, fresh ingredients, making it a go-to spot for both loyal local customers and newcomers from various backgrounds.
For those eager to try the most popular beverages at Mr. Wish Upper Darby, the top choices include Black Tiger Milk, the most liked drink, and Mango Smoothies, a close second in popularity. Other fan favorites include the refreshing Kumquat & Lemon Fiber Jelly Tea, the rich Red Bean & Pudding Milk Tea, and the creamy Avocado Smoothies. For a fruity twist, the Red Guava Green Tea and Mango Tea with Fresh Pulp are also highly recommended.
A Taste of Taiwan in Upper Darby
Bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s, made its way to the U.S. in the 1990s through Taiwanese immigrants. Since then, it has grown in popularity, particularly in areas with large East Asian populations like Upper Darby.
Mr. Wish, a popular franchise specializing in bubble tea and fresh fruit beverages, has been making waves in Upper Darby for nearly five years. Located at 7050 Terminal Square, the store has become a favorite for both the Asian community and beyond. Robert, one of the co-owners, along with his partner Lee, recently shared insights into their business and its growth since opening.
A Commitment to Freshness and Quality
“We’ve been open for almost five years now, and what really sets us apart is our focus on fresh fruit and healthier alternatives,” Robert explained. “We don’t use a lot of powders. Instead, everything is fresh and organic. People appreciate that we offer a more natural option compared to many other bubble tea shops.”
Mr. Wish’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and customer satisfaction has helped build a loyal customer base. While the store primarily caters to the Asian community in Upper Darby, Robert highlighted that many customers from other backgrounds also enjoy their drinks.
The Journey of Mr. Wish from Taiwan to Upper Darby
The franchise originated in Taiwan, where bubble tea culture is an integral part of daily life. Robert noted that while the menu in Taiwan is more extensive, they have tailored their offerings to meet American tastes. “Mr. Wish started growing in the U.S. around 2015, and it’s become quite popular. We opened our Upper Darby location because we saw potential in this community, with its large Asian population and room for growth.”
Why Upper Darby?
Robert and his partner Lee were already fans of Mr. Wish drinks before deciding to open a location. “We were customers ourselves, and we loved the drinks so much that we thought, ‘Why not open one of our own?’” They chose Upper Darby for its vibrant Asian community and the opportunity to introduce something new to the area. “There are a lot of mom-and-pop stores here, and we wanted to bring some diversity with our drinks.”
A Growing Franchise with Strong Roots in the Community
Mr. Wish operates in various locations, including Drexel University, where they cater to a younger demographic. But for Robert, the Upper Darby location holds a special place. “Our customer service is key, and while each store has its unique operations, we make sure that our customer service and quality are always up to franchise standards or better.”
What Sets Mr. Wish Apart?
According to Robert, Mr. Wish’s drinks stand out due to their healthier ingredients. “We mainly use fresh fruit, and everything is made fresh daily. The only exception is chocolate drinks, which naturally require powder. This commitment to quality is why our customers keep coming back.”
Mr. Wish is open daily, offering a variety of refreshing drinks that appeal to a wide range of customers in the diverse Upper Darby community. With nearly five years of success under their belt, Robert and Lee continue to look for ways to grow and serve their loyal patrons.