Caleb Flegel
Boba tea can now be found at the coffee shops around campus, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash. | The Whitworthain/Caleb Flegel
On January 15, 2025, The Pines Cafe announced the addition of bubble tea to its menu, giving students a trendy and refreshing new drink option right on campus through their social media. In 2021, Whitworth University opened The Pines Cafe to serve its students and community. Since then, The Pines Cafe has provided students with a wide selection of food and beverage options. From freshly brewed coffee, Frappuccino and sub sandwiches to cookies, salads and yogurt, there is something for everyone.
Rab Greenup, a fifth-year human-computer interaction major at Whitworth University, shared insights about their role as a barista at The Pines. Rab has been part of The Pines since its opening in the fall of 2021, making them one of the longest-serving employees, alongside just one other original hire.
Rab mentioned that the idea of selling bubble tea had been a huge topic of discussion since they were hired in 2021. This means The Pines had been thinking about and planning to introduce bubble tea for four years.
Moreover, Rab explained that the launch of boba has already garnered many positive reactions. Despite it being only the beginning of the semester, Rab said, “We have had so many orders for the boba tea and noticed a lot of repeat customers. It feels like we finally found something that will draw students out.”
Beyond the practical benefits, introducing boba has given the baristas a chance to enjoy some downtime during busy shifts. Rab described it as “a chance to escape to the back and just focus on something simple. It is calming.” Rab expressed satisfaction in seeing The Pines more active and livelier: “I am emotionally invested in the success of The Pines because I have been working here for four years. Seeing more customers and having more responsibilities makes me happy.”
Moreover, students who are too busy to drive or cannot drive at all can now buy bubble tea on campus. Khaliun Gantumur, a sophomore accounting student from Mongolia, said that she loves bubble tea but does not have enough time to go off campus to buy one. “Now I can just walk to the Pines and buy it — and I love it!” she shared.
Even though bubble tea cannot be customized yet, tapioca pearls can be added to any drink including lattes, cappuccinos and even strawberry Frappuccino. You name it, and they will have it for you!
The Pines Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Located at 104 W. Hawthorne Rd., Spokane, WA 99251, you can stay updated by following them on social media!