Hodgdon, Maine — After closing her tea and herb shop in downtown Houlton earlier this year, Randi Farrar received numerous requests from customers who missed her fresh brews. In response, she certified her kitchen, tested her well water, purchased a 40-slot cup holder, and acquired a larger vehicle to deliver her specialty boba iced teas to local businesses and residential customers.
“It just went crazy,” Farrar noted, highlighting the overwhelming demand that has her now delivering over 100 iced teas daily.
To meet this growing need, Farrar decided to establish a drive-thru business in nearby Hodgdon, focusing on teas and coffee. Boba, known as bubble tea, is a Taiwanese creation that combines tea with milk, fruit, and tapioca pearls. However, Farrar opts for popping pearls in her boba teas, which customers have greatly enjoyed. “They are juice balls, and when you suck them up through the straw, they explode in your mouth,” she explained.
Farrar is currently finalizing plans for Randi’s Corner Perk, located on Corner Road in Hodgdon. The name pays homage to Central Perk, the fictional cafe from the TV show “Friends.” The drive-thru will operate in the fall, winter, and spring, offering not only her popular boba and chaga teas but also coffee, cappuccinos, and quick food items like muffins and hot egg sandwiches.
The venue will feature indoor seating for around 20 guests while Farrar awaits the final occupant capacity from the fire marshal. She described the future drive-thru layout while walking along the planned tear-drop path. The building, an Amish construction, is painted in a vibrant near cobalt blue with white trim. Additionally, she plans to incorporate elements like a white picket fence along the drive and is strategizing on displaying the menu board to withstand the harsh Maine winters.
Corner Perk will also feature Birch Bark Brews, a chaga tea line co-owned by Farrar and Alyssa Hutchinson, along with other herbal offerings from her Lotus and Leaf business. The new drive-thru is projected to open by Thanksgiving, with operating hours set from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Farrar gauged public interest for the drive-thru idea on Facebook, receiving an enthusiastic response as many individuals expressed a preference for staying in their cars during the winter months.