She’s been in the nail business for years. Now, she’s trying the restaurant business.
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The space at Maple and Ridge that Boss Tea just moved out of already has a new tenant, and its owner is extra sassy.
On Saturday, Dao Lam will start a soft-opening period for her new business at 7130 W. Maple, which she’s calling Sassy Tea. The shop, like its predecessor, will serve a big menu of boba tea drinks but also will have a small food menu. Lam will offer bubble waffles as well as savory fish-shaped waffles that will be stuffed with cream cheese and pork floss (dried, shredded pork), and she’ll also serve Vietnamese rice paper salad, made with strips of rice paper and fresh herbs.
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Lam is also the owner of Sassy Nails, a nail salon that operates at 13303 W. Maple. She’s been doing nails for nearly two decades but recently decided to open another business — one where she could bring her young sons, ages 7 and 5, when they get out of school.
This is her first foray into the restaurant business, Lam said, but food is her passion — especially baking. She and her boys are also fans of boba tea. Lam said her specialty drinks will be a hibiscus milk tea and a hibiscus refresher.
Sassy Tea, which is in the same strip mall at Maple and Ridge that has McAlister’s Deli, Chipotle and Nameless Coffee Co., will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Anyone can visit during the soft-opening on Saturday, and those who do will save 15% on their drinks. Customers on Saturday also will get a free corn dog if they buy two drinks.
Lam plans to celebrate the restaurant’s grand opening on Saturday, April 12, when she’ll offer more deals and specials.
“I’ve never run a boba shop before. I’ve done nails for 15 to 20 years. I know nails,” Lam said. “I’m so excited and nervous.”
This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 11:57 AM.
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