When David Freedman moved to Wake Forest eight years ago, he immediately noticed a gap in the local food and beverage scene. “There were no boba shops,” he said. After becoming involved with the Cha House location in Cary, he saw an opportunity to introduce something new to his own community. “We have a growing population, a lot of younger folks, which is typically the demographic of a bubble tea shop, and I thought it was a good opportunity and something definitely missing from our overall community.”
Freedman opened Cha House Wake Forest in May 2024 with a clear goal: to provide residents with a local option for high-quality bubble tea, thoughtfully crafted food, and a place to gather without needing to travel outside of town. “I wanted to provide residents with a different option and contribute something back to the community,” he said.
Locating in Wheatfield Plaza was a strategic decision. “For me, it was important to be in a central area of Wake Forest and also close to the schools,” Freedman noted. With Heritage High School directly across the street and both a middle and elementary school nearby, the location aligns perfectly with Cha House’s core demographic. “We wanted to make sure people had access to our location and could easily find us.”
Inside, Cha House is designed to feel warm, inviting, and flexible for all types of visits. “We specifically designed it with earth tones and good natural light. We wanted it to be a place where you could come with your laptop and hang out for the afternoon, or where younger folks can gather and enjoy each other’s company.” Between mixed seating styles, an outdoor patio, and even a dedicated swing chair perfect for photos, the space “really has something for everybody,” he added.
What truly sets Cha House apart is its commitment to authenticity, quality, and community. “We are a locally owned bubble tea shop. I live in Wake Forest, and I am part of this community. That was super important to me,” said Freedman. Their tea is sourced directly from Taiwan, their matcha is of high quality, and they take pride in using premium ingredients.
In addition to drinks, Cha House offers a robust food menu, something not usually found in bubble tea shops. Guests can enjoy popcorn chicken, rice plates, green onion pancakes, garlic parmesan or kimchi fries, and more. They also partner with several local bakeries, including Mehl, Blue Ox Bakery, and Paul Jax, bringing a selection of desserts to Wheatfield Plaza. “Most bubble tea shops do not serve food. That aspect really separates us,” said Freedman.
This winter, Cha House is offering a festive seasonal menu developed entirely by its own team members. New items include a Gingerbread Cookie Latte, Gingerbread Milk Tea, Gingerbread Chai Latte, Peppermint Milk Tea, Peppermint Latte, and Peppermint Mocha Latte. “These drinks were specifically curated by our team members who are part of the local community,” Freedman said. “They are unique to Cha House Wake Forest.”
As a small business, community support is crucial. “When we first opened, a lot of people came to try things, but it can be challenging for a small business,” said Freedman. With a staff composed mostly of Heritage High School students, Cha House not only serves food and drinks. It also provides young people with leadership opportunities, customer service training, and meaningful first jobs. Freedman hopes more residents will stop by, whether for a treat, to host a team gathering, or even to plan a fundraiser. “It is so important that people come out to support local businesses,” he said.
Building a business in the town he calls home holds personal meaning. “It was highly important to me to develop and grow a business in our community. I want people to be proud of what we have here,” said Freedman. “I wanted to develop something in the town I live in, not somewhere else.”
Looking ahead, Freedman is excited for what is to come in 2026. Cha House will continue expanding its seasonal drink lineup, exploring new food offerings, and seeking ways to partner more deeply with the Wake Forest community. “We hope to have more of an outward presence overall. I would really appreciate folks coming out, giving us a try, and supporting us.”
By bringing authentic bubble tea and a robust food menu to Wheatfield Plaza, Cha House strengthens the center’s retail mix while contributing to Wake Forest’s expanding culinary landscape.
Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP), applauds the local impact of Cha House. “Cha House represents everything we love about small business growth in Wake Forest: creative concepts, community connection, and a commitment to local talent,” said Cannon. “They have brought something fresh and exciting to Wheatfield Plaza, and we encourage the community to support them in their growth.”
As a special thank you to the Wake Forest community, Freedman is offering a seasonal promotion for WFBIP readers: buy one drink, get the second half price. Just mention this article when ordering.
Cha House Promo Video
