NEW YORK Emily Walsh had never heard of bubble tea until she was introduced to the drink five years ago by a blogger friend. Now the New York University graduate student buys a cup two or three times a week.
Entrepreneurs move slowly on franchising to protect image of traditional drink

The Boba Room pop-up in New York generates long lines of bubble tea fans. (Photo by Elisabeth Rosen)
NEW YORK Emily Walsh had never heard of bubble tea until she was introduced to the drink five years ago by a blogger friend. Now the New York University graduate student buys a cup two or three times a week.