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In sentences Eater never dreamt it would write: An electronic dance music-themed tea house is headed to the Richmond. (And you say quirky San Francisco is dead.) Called Gosu, it will be a tea bar with Asian snacks and desserts — and rave-worthy vibes.
It’s opening underneath a healing center at 1014 Clement St., and replacing it with “PLUR” or peace, love, unity, and respect (naturally), which is the inspiration for the concept, according to owner and enthusiastic EDM-lover Joey Tran. “It’s not about drugs or anything like that. You know how you go into a bar and see people fighting sometimes because they’re drunk,” he rationalized. “But you don’t see that at a rave because we believe in the concept of PLUR. That’s why I incorporated that.”
The 22-year-old, self-described entrepreneur has a very specific vision for the space. His idea for the unusual concept came from trying to target the millennial generation’s interests in EDM and boba. But because those millennials are so very finicky, the food concept will change every year, based on the “newest trends.” “Boba can be popular now, but in a couple years be gone, so every year my items will change because people get bored of things,” he explained.
With that in mind, the opening concept is tea and Asian snacks and desserts, in addition to all things #blessed. Drinks, priced around $5.50, include tea, lemonade, and juice, in customizable and signature mixes. Snacks, between $7 to $8, include bacon-wrapped avocado fries, savory and sweet waffles, “frushi” (fruit sushi made with coconut sticky rice), and more. Tran developed the food and drink himself, saying, “I started crafting my own boba drinks almost two years ago. Back before the first boba place opened — not Quickly, that’s basic — I was there and I loved it.”
The space is small — 1,000 square feet for dining and kitchen space — but will include a gaming and relaxation area for Super Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers. To go with the EDM theme, there will be LED’s everywhere, coordinated along with the music, as well as TV’s playing EDM music videos. Eventually, Tran hopes to host DJ’s and color coordinate the lights to their music.
Gosu plans to open early January, and will be open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Stay tuned for more details on what is sure to be an interesting opening.
