Earlier this month Eastland Mall in Evansville, Indiana hosted the New Year, New Life 2025 Blood Drive. As I was giving my donation, I noticed a brand-new tea shop right in front of me. This was before I nearly passed out, so I knew that I wasn't dreaming!

Eastland Mall Isn't a Dead Mall

I know that everybody likes to say that the traditional mall is dead because everybody shops online. Well, the malls that are thriving actually use online ordering to their advantage. Anytime that you can order something online and pick it up in-store that is helping our local mall stay relative.

*Scroll Down To See What Eastland Mall Looked Like in the 1980s

Sean Ferguson is the marketing manager for Eastland Mall, and we talked a little bit about its growth. This was also before I passed out. He seemed very optimistic about the new year and the new experiences in the pipeline for Eastland Mall. Shoppers really seem to enjoy the new boba tea trend, so Bobalicious is probably going to be popular.

PHOTO: canva boba order
PHOTO: canva boba order
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What Is Boba Tea?

Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a refreshing drink that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. It’s a delightful blend of tea, milk, or fruit flavors served with chewy tapioca pearls (boba) or other fun toppings like popping boba, jelly, or pudding. The drink is usually served cold with a wide straw to enjoy the toppings along with the beverage.

Where to Find BOBALICIOUS at Eastland Mall

You’ll find it in the Dillard’s Wing near Helzberg Diamonds.

Why Is Boba Tea So Popular?

Boba tea has become a global sensation for a reason. It’s a customizable drink that caters to every taste, whether you prefer fruity, creamy, or a mix of both. The chewy tapioca pearls and creative toppings add an element of fun, turning every sip into a flavorful adventure. Plus, its Instagram-worthy presentation makes it a hit with all ages.

Read More: Southern Indiana Eastland Mall Loses 29 Year Food Court Favorite

How to Order Boba Tea at BOBALICIOUS

Ordering boba tea at BOBALICIOUS is as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Choose Your Base: Decide between tea, milk tea, or fruit tea.
  2. Pick Your Flavor: Popular choices include classics like taro, matcha, and mango.
  3. Select Your Toppings: Add tapioca pearls, popping boba, or even fruit jelly for a personalized twist.
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Then and Now - See Inside Evansville, Indiana's Eastland Mall

Eastland Mall opened in 1981, and it has changed a lot through the years. JC. Penny still anchors the mall on one end, and what was Lazarus Department Store is now Macy's.

Gallery Credit: Liberty

Then & Now - Evansville's Washington Square Mall Through the Years

Evansville is home to a lot of unique buildings including the first enclosed retail shopping center in Indiana. Yes, our very own Washington Square Mall was the place to be when it opened in 1963. If you walk through the mall today, you would never guess how alive the shops were, even through the 1980s. Enjoy this walk down memory lane I've put together, and maybe someday there will be new life inside 5011 Washington Ave.

Gallery Credit: Liberty

Best Friends Recreate 90's Throwback Memories with Retro Photoshoot at Evansville's Washington Square Mall

Simply Savvy Photography recreated everyone's favorite 90's mall memories in a retro photoshoot featuring Tay and Ashlyn. They brought the fun back to present-day Washington Square Mall.

Gallery Credit: Liberty