TaiTai Teaology is Grove Café’s new beverage-focused concept, launched within the campus of Metropolitan University. Designed as a modern take on a traditional snack kiosk, it features digital menus, neon signage, and a sleek façade of corrugated white panels and tile textures. The project transforms a former snack stall into a vibrant hand-shaken tea outlet, serving Taiwanese bubble (boba) drinks to a student-dominated crowd.
This bold and compact installation reflects Grove Café’s evolving brand direction while maintaining operational efficiency in a high-traffic location. Despite regulatory constraints from the university, the kiosk was successfully delivered in under 10 weeks and has since become a popular campus highlight.
Project details
Construction Duration
~8–10 weeks (including approvals)
Location
Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
Signature materials
Neon signage
LED light trough
Digital menu screens
Corrugated aluminum cladding
Area
Approx. 60–70 sq ft. (front-facing kiosk)
Year
2024
CONCEPT & DESIGN INTENT
TaiTai Teaology is a new sub-brand under Grove Café, specializing in Taiwanese-style hand-shaken beverages, including boba milk tea. This kiosk was explicitly designed for a university campus setting, targeting the student demographic with a vibrant, youth-oriented aesthetic. The concept was to create a visually striking, compact, and contemporary drink stall that signals a bold departure from Grove Café’s existing coffee-based identity, yet retains a subtle brand continuity.
SPATIAL STRATEGY / PLANNING LOGIC
Converted from a former snack bar, the kiosk’s spatial strategy is optimized for takeaway service. The front façade integrates ordering, preparation, and menu display into a single, efficient layout. The back-of-house space is carefully organized to streamline the workflow, while the customer-facing counter ensures fast and clear interaction. Peak-hour efficiency was a primary planning driver, given the dense foot traffic from the university population.
GALLERY
MATERIALITY & DETAILING
A bold use of modern finishes defines the exterior design:
White corrugated aluminum panels provide a fresh, dynamic look
LED light through the under-the-counter and behind-the-menu wall creates a glowing, attractive outline
Custom neon signage of drink icons adds a playful brand personality
A gridded tile wall with backlit digital menus introduces high-tech clarity and order
Seasonal décor (e.g., holiday garlands) was integrated with pre-installed hooks for festive adaptability
PROJECT GOALS & OUTCOMES
TaiTai Teaology is a new sub-brand under Grove Café, specializing in Taiwanese-style hand-shaken beverages, including boba milk tea. This kiosk was explicitly designed for a university campus setting, targeting the student demographic with a vibrant, youth-oriented aesthetic. The concept was to create a visually striking, compact, and contemporary drink stall that signals a bold departure from Grove Café’s existing coffee-based identity, yet retains a subtle brand continuity.
COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS
As a tenant space within Metropolitan University, the project required coordination with campus administrators regarding signage, fire safety, lighting intensity, and branding usage. The adjacent MU Café (also operated by Grove Café) previously occupied a former Pacific Coffee unit. Due to school branding restrictions, the kiosk initially could not display the “Grove Café” name, using “MU Café” instead. These limitations were later eased, allowing the full integration of the Grove Café brand identity.
TAITAI TEAOLOGY
METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY, HONG KONG.
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