In a heartening tale of resilience and entrepreneurship, a foreign national military veteran has found a new mission in Kent. Retired Specialist Ming Xie, originally from China, has transitioned from battle dress uniforms to the business front, establishing a thriving bubble tea venture that captures the taste buds of locals.

Xie, who spent six years in the Army Reserves from 2010 to 2016, brings a unique perspective and discipline to the world of bubble tea. The veteran, who chose Kent as the location for his business, cites an ironic coincidence as the key factor in their decision.

Xie said that this business venture was actually his plan B.

“Initially, I was going to return to the active duty Army,” he said. “But opening a business here was my wife’s idea. I was going to try to become an interpreter.”

Xie says that plans took a turn when the military only wanted to use his native tongue of Mandarin, which they considered more critical at the time, but he wanted to take up a different language like Russian. He also said the military wouldn’t allow him to marry his girlfriend, as she wasn’t an American citizen.

“Dealing with the harsh reality of not being able to do what I wanted in the active duty army, I was like, okay, well now we’re just gonna do the bubble tea business and it turned out pretty okay.”

Xie said he chose the city of Kent as the business location because he attended Akron University, while his wife attended Kent State. The bubble tea establishment, named Ming’s Bubble Tea, has quickly become a local favorite, offering an array of flavors and customizable options that cater to diverse palates. 

With a dedication to quality and a passion for bubble tea, Xie and his wife have brought a variety of flavors to the community, including their most popular, best-selling hits mango and strawberry. The colorful and cozy interior of Ming’s Bubble Tea invites customers to unwind and engage with friends, old and new.

Although the military didn’t actually inspire the decision to start the bubble tea business, Xie credits his military training for instilling the values of discipline, attention to detail and teamwork, which have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the business. 

“You know, I guess from the military perspective, first opening the shop, it was the dedication and hardware I learned from being in the Army.” Xie said. “It definitely helped a lot. It didn’t quite influence me making this decision. It was more of the mindset from the training, you know. Working those crazy hours in the beginning, and you know that was nothing to me.”

Xie said that his personal identity influenced his decision to open a bubble tea business.

“I wanted to bring a taste of my home country to Kent while creating a space for the Asian student population as well as the local community,” said Xie, reflecting on the inspiration behind the venture. 

The establishment not only serves as a hub for delicious beverages but also fosters cultural exchange, he said, as Ming’s Bubble Tea incorporates elements of his native country into the décor and ambiance.

“So bubble tea originated from Taiwan back in the 80s and sped across East Asia, from South Korea, Japan and Thailand” Xie said. “It’s like a coffee shop concept. A lot of people there don’t drink coffee, they like a tea place. The younger generation will go to like a bubble tea place, so that’s how it got popular.”

Local residents have embraced the new addition to Kent’s culinary scene, praising the veteran’s dedication to quality and authenticity. Xie’s customers expressed their appreciation for the diverse menu and the welcoming atmosphere Xie has cultivated.

Cherry and Rana, Kent State business analytics graduate students, were there for the first time trying the strawberry banana and the banana mango flavors. “I liked it, I think it tastes very good,” Cherry said.

Cambria White, a regular customer, shared what she likes the most about Ming’s.

“Ming’s Bubble Tea has created a place where you feel welcome, and the bubble tea is fantastic. It’s wonderful to see a veteran contributing to our community in such a meaningful way,” she said.

As Xie continues to blend military discipline with the artistry of bubble tea, the community eagerly anticipates the growth and success of this unique establishment. Ming’s Bubble Tea not only represents a successful business venture but also symbolizes the triumph of a foreign national military veteran in their post-service endeavors, adding a rich and inspiring chapter to the diverse tapestry of Kent, Ohio.

Ed Bankston is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].