Just in time for spring, Sagoto Bubble Tea World is officially open on Newark Avenue near Journal Square. Jersey Digs first noticed the bright pink signage and storefront taking shape in April 2018, and as of their grand opening on March 22, 2019, the boutique bubble tea shop is up and running at 652 Newark Avenue.
Sagoto had been in a soft opening stage for three weeks leading up to the grand opening celebration which included a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Also in attendance were Jersey City Council President Rolando R. Lavarro Jr., Mayor Michael Melham of Belleville, and Belleville Councilwoman-at-Large Naomy De Pena.
Gladys Arnejo and Joy Mendoza, the owners of Sagoto, offered opening day guests food and cake, as well as a chance to get creative and hands-on at a make-your-own bubble tea station.
“We are happy and overwhelmed [by the] response [and the] customers’ support,” said Arnejo. “We are thankful [for the] warm welcome [we received] from the neighborhood, the residents, and business owners of the offices along Newark Ave.”
Sagoto also expands on the traditional bubble tea menu and offers Filipino-inspired flavors in drinks like the Ube Mac, Gen San Pandan, Sago’t Gulaman, and their best-seller, the Manila Mango Graham Shake. Mayor Fulop, with a TV crew in tow, ordered the Wintermelon Milk Tea, saying it was “delicious.”
Owners Arnejo and Mendoza plan to expand not only their menu but their retail presence over time. “[This] is the first or flagship for many locations to come,” said Arnejo. In the meantime, stop by for a bubble tea and look for upcoming in-store programming like open mic nights.
Located at 652 Newark Avenue, just east of Five Corners and Journal Square, Sagoto is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
For more information, check out Sagoto’s Facebook page at facebook.com/sagoto.Bubble.Tea.World, Twitter (@Sagotobubbleteaworld), and Instagram (@sagoto.bubbleteaworld).
