In 1996, Nancy Yang recognized the growing popularity of one of Taiwan's favorite drinks—frothy, milk-based bubble tea filled with tapioca pearls—and decided to open her own milk-tea cafe, Quickly. Her business soon exploded, and she started opening Quickly locations in several other countries. She expanded to the United States in 2002, opening the first American location in Southern California. Now, the chain is one of the largest tapioca milk-tea franchises in the world, with more than 100 locations in the United States alone.

Despite its extensive menu of bubble teas, slushes, flavored teas, and jelly juices, Quickly is more than just a beverage hot spot. It pairs its drinks with Asian fusion snacks, including fried lobster balls and chicken wings, and bigger dishes, including bento boxes and Vietnamese sandwiches. For dessert, peanut-butter waffles, gelato, and fro-yo settle onto tables.