Thai couple opening boba tea shop in Gaslight Village

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A boba tea shop is set to open in East Grand Rapids’ Gaslight Village.

Husband and wife pair Charnode Srisawai and Rindares Thippayachayanai are working to open Hoshi Hoshi at 2159 Wealthy St., inside the strip mall in the D&W Fresh Market parking lot.

They said they’ll be using a secret recipe for their boba tea and offer lots of topping options. They’ll also have food items like bubble waffles and sticky rice.

The couple said Hoshi Hoshi is set to open soon.

Srisawai and Thippayachayanai both grew up in Thailand. They met at work shortly after graduating, before making the decision to move to the United States. They’ve been in Grand Rapids since 2021.

“The people in Grand Rapids (are) so nice,” Thippayachayanai said. “We just came from Thailand and they are welcom(ing): ‘Hey, are you OK with here? You like it?'”

Srisawai said he likes West Michigan’s winters and snow, though he joked his wife isn’t as big of a fan.

Shortly after moving to Grand Rapids, they opened up Lai Thai Kitchen on Leonard Street near Ball Avenue. The two said they enjoy owning their own business and have a passion for sharing their food with customers.

“People love our food, our drink. We’re so happy,” Thippayachayanai said.

They’re also both big fans of boba tea.

When the spot in East Grand Rapids, which sees lots of traffic, opened up, Srisawai said he immediately reached out to the landlord. People have already stopped by the location to check out the storefront’s signs as they get ready to open, he said.

“I think they’re going to love it,” he said.

“Come join us and let us … brighten your day,” his wife said.

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