Chun Yang Tea, a boba shop in Old Union, will remain open after the near-termination of its lease on Oct. 31.

Stanford Residential and Dining Enterprises (R&DE) planned to replace Chun Yang with a beer and wine service, which is now slated to open for operations alongside the boba shop later this quarter. Chun Yang will retain its previous hours of operation — Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — even once the new service moves in.

When the beer and wine service opens, beer and wine will be available for purchase to customers 21 and older from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday. Students of all ages will still be permitted to dine at TAP during these hours.  

“This service will end at 10 p.m. to align with other campus operations, while ensuring TAP remains a reliable late-night dining destination until 2 a.m., where students can enjoy great food and a welcoming, non-alcohol service location after campus events or parties,” Eric Montell, R&DE Assistant Vice Provost for Stanford Dining, Hospitality and Auxiliaries, wrote to The Daily.

According to Chun Yang owner Eric Chao, he had lost hope in the possibility of remaining open. The change of plans came after reading emails from students and staff protesting the termination of the shop’s lease.

“I saw the first few replies were like ‘it is what it is. We’ll consider them in the future if there’s open space.’ And I was like, okay, it’s probably not gonna work,” he said. “I’m very appreciative. I was really surprised because I gave up, and then it was just very sudden.”

Montell said R&DE’s original decision to use the space as a beer and wine service came after Chun Yang struggled to establish itself within Old Union. 

“TAP has a very small kitchen and there wasn’t enough room to keep all of TAP’s menu favorites, add beer and wine service and keep a boba tea concept,” he wrote. “But with some creative problem-solving and great teamwork, we were able to find a way to share the spaces and make it work for all.”

Like Chao, many students were relieved by rumors that Chun Yang’s lease had been renewed. 

“I was super excited,” said Maddie Reddy ’29, who heard the news from a friend. “I love boba, and I was super sad to hear Stanford’s only boba shop was closing right when the new class of 2029 got on campus.”

Other students thought a beer and wine service wasn’t enough to warrant Chun Yang’s shuttering.

“Why would we prioritize alcohol over a small business?” said Maisie Hatler ’29.

Leo Terman ’29 agreed with this sentiment. 

“I definitely think that boba is more important to keep on campus,” he said. “It’s something that’s always nice to get after class.” 

To the relief of students like Hatler and Terman, Chun Yang will be staying at least through next June, according to Chao. 

“It’s for the academic year, and then we’ll see what happens after,” he said. “I think that really just depends: am I helping them to bring more traffic here, or am I making money here?”

Through the new, multipurpose use of retail space in Old Union, Montell hopes to provide something for every student. 

“Our vision is to create an inclusive, community-oriented environment in TAP where students can gather and enjoy a variety of options, whether that’s a boba tea, burger, or a glass of beer or wine for those of legal age,” he wrote.

“We’re trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle in a way that supports all students,” Montell said.