Just three months ago, the year came crashing—literally—into Boba Bird when an SUV slammed through the front of the Houston boba shop just before opening time on a Tuesday morning.
ICYMI: How it started — ‘Starting the New Year with a bang’: SUV crashes into Houston boba shop moments before opening
Now, the boba shop on Blackhawk Boulevard is back open with a new look and the same community spirit. Boba Bird owner, Peter Phan, is calling it what it is: a comeback story worth sipping on.
Boba Bird has officially reopened after that January morning crash. The impact caused serious damage, especially to the office and breakroom areas — but Phan focused on his original goal: creating a space where students and community members could relax and connect.
“Guess who got hit by a car and is still serving the best boba and hot chicken in town?” Phan joked in a Facebook post ahead of reopening. “Bird is the word.”
Now, the shop has been repaired and refreshed. Phan says he’s relieved and grateful to finally be back in business.
“Opening day was hectic… everyone came (from the community)... it was heartwarming for sure… we were pretty much packed the entire day.“ Phan told KPRC 2’s Zorrie Jones.
He said it was definitely nice to see the community rally together—and honestly, he didn’t expect that many people to show up.
READ: ‘It’s Heartbreaking’: Beloved BBQ spot targeted AGAIN days after costly brisket heist in Houston
During the months-long closure, customers rallied around the business, sending messages of encouragement, sharing updates, and pledging to return the moment the doors reopened. Phan said that public support helped keep morale high and reminded him that Boba Bird mattered beyond just being a business.
And even through the stress, Phan managed to keep a sense of humor. “Our boba’s so good, people crash into us for it,” he wrote in another post.
Inside the newly reopened shop, Phan’s got a piece of the SUV’s bumper on display—right next to a big ‘NO PARKING’ sign. “Just a little souvenir,” he laughed. “You know, in case anyone forgets what happened.”
Opening day saw regulars lining up, many eager to show support with their first drinks and meals back. Seeing those familiar faces again, Phan said, brought a sense of normalcy—and some much-needed joy.
“A lot of people came by and they’re like, ‘We’re so happy you opened back up again.’” Phan also mentioned. “It was nice to see a lot of old faces.”
The support didn’t just show up on opening day—it started long before. He meant it when he said, “We’ll be back.”
Back in January, just days after the crash, Phan told Zorrie Jones: “We’ll get through this. Boba Bird is the word… We’ll be back.”
Now, with the shop repaired and regulars returning, he’s made good on that promise.
For now, Phan’s focus is on settling back into the daily rhythm of running Boba Bird.
“I’m happy to be back and be back working.” Phan also shared advice for others who’ve faced setbacks. “You have to just grit and not give up... every day is a challenge. Waking up could be a challenge sometimes (but) step by step, we’ll get there.”
As for what’s next? “We’re not done yet—just getting started again,” Phan smiled.
As for the SUV crash? It’s no longer the story—it’s just the start of the comeback.
