Westport Residents Mourn the Closure of Beloved GoCha Tea & Beverage

Westport Says Goodbye to GoCha Tea & Beverage

In a bittersweet turn of events, Westport residents are bidding farewell to GoCha Tea & Beverage, a beloved local spot that has recently closed its doors. Owner Connie Tran shared her feelings of sadness over the closure, attributing it to a combination of challenges, including a noticeable lack of foot traffic and two unfortunate break-ins earlier this year. “I’m very sad to let Westport go,” she expressed, reflecting the sentiments of many loyal customers who frequented her shop.

A Brief History of GoCha Tea

Tran opened the Westport branch of GoCha Tea at 4111 Pennsylvania Ave. in 2019, aiming to offer a unique experience with a wide variety of drink options. The vibrant location, which also hosted Yako Gallery and Tea Drops in the past, had quickly become a go-to for those seeking delicious matcha, refreshing smoothies, and innovative cheese teas.

This was not Tran’s first venture into the tea scene. Back in 2017, she opened her first location in Gladstone at 6595 N. Oak Trafficway. After a few successful years, she decided to sell that shop to her employees in 2022. Tran then expanded once again by launching another GoCha Tea shop in Overland Park, located at 7800 Shawnee Mission Parkway, just west of Metcalf Avenue—this location is still buzzing with activity and drawing in tea enthusiasts.

From Nails to Tea

Before diving into the world of tea, Connie Tran spent over a decade in the nail salon industry. It’s fascinating how her journey led her to create a community-centered beverage shop that brought people together over a love for tea. The menu at GoCha Tea was as diverse as its owner’s background, boasting an array of tasty options including brewed teas, coffee, lattes, brown sugar drinks, fresh fruit teas, matcha, and milk teas. Not to mention the delightful food offerings like rice paper salads, caramel flan, and sweet ginger tofu pudding that kept patrons coming back for more.

The Challenges of Westport

Despite the warm atmosphere and inviting menu, the sad truth for Tran—and many other local businesses—is the struggle to attract enough customers, which ultimately led to this closure. The current state of foot traffic in Westport has been challenging for a range of establishments, causing long-time favorites to rethink their longevity in the bustling neighborhood.

The two break-ins that Tran experienced also contributed to the decision to close up shop. Incidents like these can take an emotional toll on business owners, not only financially but also in terms of the overall sentiment surrounding their establishments. Tran’s heartfelt goodbye underscores the emotional weight this closure carries for her and the staff who dedicated themselves to serving Westport.

What’s Next for Connie Tran?

While the Westport location has closed, Tran is not stepping back completely. Her Overland Park branch continues to thrive, providing a beacon of hope for fans of GoCha Tea. As she navigates this transition, it’s clear that Tran’s passion for tea and community service remains strong, and many are eager to see what future endeavors she might pursue.

Community Responses

The reaction from the Westport community has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many sharing their fond memories and favorite drinks from GoCha Tea. It’s a testament to how much this little shop meant to outdoor lovers and tea aficionados alike. As the neighborhood waves goodbye to Tran’s Westport location, many are left with a hopeful sentiment for the future of local tea shops and small businesses amid challenging conditions.

As we reflect on the closure of GoCha Tea & Beverage, it is a reminder of the importance of supporting our local establishments. Whether it’s enjoying a comforting cup of tea or a delightful snack, we can all do our part to keep the spirit of community alive in Westport.