Growth of the Asian-inspired dessert shop Nobibi is continuing in California, with a licensee working on four more locations in the Golden State.
First up is an outpost in Pomona at 3560 W Temple Avenue, expected to open by the end of September or early October.
Licensee Jackie Miao told What Now Orange County he wants to create an inviting atmosphere where people want to spend time, a relaxing spot to hang out or work, like a library. He sees the shop appealing to students. (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, is nearby.)
“You could spend an afternoon there,” he said. “We provide wifi. I want it to be that place where you want to spend time with your friends and spend time time doing your work… You can have a drink, have an ice cream, hang out with your friends.”
Leases have not yet been finalized, but locations are also eyed for Covina, Rancho Cucamonga and Glendora. Miao said he hopes at least one of those will be open by the end of this year.
Nobibi serves Asian-inspired desserts, including ice cream, pudding and signature drinks like boba and dalgona coffee. Signature items include the Ninja (black sesame ice cream topped with Pop Rocks and pocky sticks) and the Dream Cloud (a cup of soft serve surrounded by a belt of cotton candy).
Nobibi was founded by Shirley Shinn, and the first retail location opened in Chino Hills. The dessert shop has an eye on having 20-25 stores open by 2025, with the help of licensees and a partnership with the Newport Beach-based investment company OneV Capital.
Several additional Nobibi locations are currently in the works for California, including in San Diego, Diamond Bar, Costa Mesa and Irvine. There is also a Nobibi outpost in Beaverton, Oregon.