Fruitealicious, Carrollton

Jon and Carmen Pei spent years traveling the globe, visiting cafés from New York to Taiwan in search of the perfect rendition of their treasured childhood treat: bubble tea. After organizing all their recipes, tips, and ideas, the couple opened their own shop, where they whip up their own blend of innovative bubble teas, smoothies, and frozen hot chocolate.

Upon entering their colorful, brightly lit shop, guests are often greeted by Jon and Carmen themselves, who dole out free samples to first-timers, greet return customers by name, and tussle the toupees of visiting congressmen. The duo and their staff of baristas fold premium tea leaves and freshly cooked tapioca boba balls imported from Taiwan into fruity drinks. They also chop up fresh fruit for smoothies every day at the shop. Customers are invited to order from a menu of specialty drinks or choose from a variety of flavors, fruits, and mix-ins to design their own concoction. They can even add from a selection of more than 25 kinds of boba balls, which burst in the mouth with every sip. Types of boba balls include jellies, popping boba and tapioca. And during chilly winter months, the baristas pour hot bubble tea.

Guests sip on beverages out among the tabletops of the lively seating area where they can engage in traditional games such as Connect Four or competitions to fit the most straws up their nostrils.