Opening day for Molly Tea in Rockville quickly turned into a full-on scene, with a line stretching around the block as customers packed into 860 Festival Street for the brand’s DMV debut. A video of the experience can be seen below.
The jasmine-focused beverage brand, which originated in Shenzhen, China, opened on Tuesday, April 21 in a space shared with the upcoming Genki Wagyu House. The shop’s hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11am-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am-11pm.
Opening specials kicked off immediately. The soft opening runs from April 21 through April 23 with 12% off all in-store purchases. A $12.99 combo featuring a premium jasmine milk tea and a branded tote bag is also available while supplies last. Grand opening promotions follow from April 24 through April 26, when customers who purchase any drink can receive a free beverage from the Floral Fresh Milk Tea series as part of a buy-one-get-one-free offer.
By the time doors opened, a couple hundred people had already gathered, many drawn by social media buzz and the promise of the shop’s floral-forward drinks. The line continued to grow throughout the morning, wrapping along the block toward Wegmans as staff works to keep up with demand inside the compact storefront.
Molly Tea made a strong first impression with its signature “Jasmine Whipped Cream Top” and a menu built around aromatic blends like Snowy Jasmine, Pistachio Jasmine Coconut, and Pistachio Champaca Coconut. Customers exiting the shop could be seen carrying the brand’s minimalist cups and snapping photos, adding to the already high visibility of the opening.
The brand centers its drinks around jasmine and other floral notes, combining traditional tea elements with a more modern presentation. That approach appears to be resonating locally, with opening day turnout signaling strong early interest in the concept’s first DMV location.
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