By Bryanna Lapiner
With no end in sight, Covid-19 created time for passion projects. Pre-med California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) San Luis Obispo (SLO) student Justin Chan’s passion survived the pandemic and became a trend in SLO. What started as a hobby of sharing stories and drink creations with friends, turned into a full fledged business with a strong social following and a prominent storefront.
After moving to the Central Coast in 2016, Justin Chan observed the lack of quality boba tea compared to other areas of California. He decided to take matters into his own hands by making homemade boba pearls in his dorm room. He quickly noticed the appeal of his boba tea among friends and imagined the impact a quality boba shop could have in San Luis Obispo. Sequel Tea gained traction on social media due to street interviews, new flavor spotlights and giveaways, leading to widespread recognition of the brand.
What makes Sequel Tea different from other teas is their original method of brewing. Using a hybrid hot and cold brew method, tea is extracted from leaves at a slower pace, maximizing the flavor profile and creating a gentle, more vibrant taste.
San Luis Obispo is known for their numerous small businesses, most of which are deeply supported by the local community of Cal Poly alumni, staff, students and locals. Chan saw this promising characteristic as a chance to grow his circle and pursue his business.
He began to execute pop-up stores, selling flavors ranging from jasmine tea to banana milk at the Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers Market and on Cal Poly University’s campus. It was not until years later, with guidance from the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Advisor Jeff Wade, that a permanent brick and mortar shop would come to fruition.
Chan credits assistance from the SBDC with the success of turning his vision into a tangible business. Through acquired contacts, business licenses, strong community and constant communication, Sequel Tea’s permanent shop became a reality. Sequel excelled by reaching milestones during the Coronavirus pandemic, including making $270,210 in sales and creating 21 part time and full time jobs. Sequel’s range of pop-up locations, adjustable kitchen size and ever-changing menu shows their adaptability and dedication to their practice and customers.
Sequel prides itself on its trailblazing ideas and what can grow from them, hence the name Sequel. CEO Justin Chan chose the leaf and quill logo to exhibit the purpose behind his company: to share tea and stories with one another.
“We believe that Sequel started through a story, and we believe that everyone that gets a Sequel has a story,” explains Chan. “Every time I grabbed a drink, every time I grabbed food, I always did it with friends in mind. It was to catch up with someone.”
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