And while restaurants and convenience store chains like McDonald’s Corp. and 7-Eleven are ubiquitous in some parts of Asia, what no one often hears about is a company having its roots abroad and importing a brand to America.
This is precisely the case with All About Cha, a tea and coffee cafe. It started in South Korea in 2008, offering what it called “stylish tea and coffee.” The brand now has two U.S. franchises, both in Oklahoma.
Daniel Chae grew up in Moore. After graduating from college, he was looking for business opportunities when he learned about All About Cha from a friend, Chang Yi.
Yi owned the All About Cha in Edmond, 3272 S. Broadway, with his wife, Yoon, and invited Chae into the fold. Through the process of opening the second location in Nichols Hills, 7300 N. Western Ave., the two men have become close friends.
The cafes boast a wide variety of teas and coffees, as well as a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The decor is stylish and subdued, with rich colors and sleek lines.
“The whole nature of our cafe is a blend of cozy and chic,” Chae said.
There is much more on the drink menu than a few teas and espresso drinks. Bored with your everyday cup of coffee? Why not branch out with a Goguma Latte? It is a combination of sweet potato and milk.
“You have to be a little adventurous,” Chae said of the drink. “Once people try it, they love it.”
The shops do offer the full complement of espresso beverages, lattes and Americanos served up beautifully by knowledgeable staff.
Don’t be intimidated by something you’re not familiar with; the staff is there to put you at ease and help you find something you will enjoy, such as the Korean Blend, a selection of Korean fruits in a hot, sweet, aromatic blend.
The desserts run the gamut from traditional lady fingers to waffles and ice cream. All About Cha is known throughout Korea for its waffles, and with good reason; they are amazingly light with just the right sweetness. Tasting one paired with ice cream, you will wonder why you hadn’t thought of it before.
The food menu is a collaborative effort between the owners of both locations, and the result is a wide and varied selection of classic favorites, like the salmon salad, and classics with a twist.
The bulgogi breakfast wrap is an interpretation of the American staple of steak and eggs with seasoned steak and fluffy eggs in an elegant wrap. There are also fresh classic items like salads and wraps. Sushi is a new addition to the menu.
The presentation of the drinks and dishes makes the level of care that goes into the preparation obvious.
“I think Korean food and flavors blend really well with other cultures, and our menu reflects that,” Chae said. “The culture of the shop celebrates both, and the result is what makes it unique.”
