We were lucky to catch up with Ronal He recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ronal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
When we decided to open our second location, we knew we had to approach it differently from the first. The first step was to have several brainstorming meetings, where we reflected on what worked well with the first location and what we could improve. We discussed everything—from the layout and interior design to operational efficiency and customer experience. One key thing we wanted to focus on was saving on renovation costs while still creating an inviting and functional space.
With that goal in mind, we immediately set out to figure out how we could streamline the process. We took the time to get the necessary knowledge and certifications to apply for our contractor’s license. This was a critical step because it allowed us to manage the project ourselves and reduce the need for expensive third-party contractors. We then reached out to trusted subcontractors for specific areas like electrical work or plumbing, which was essential to keeping costs low without compromising quality.
We also put a lot of thought into using innovative construction materials that were not only cost-effective but also reduced labor time. This was key in helping us stay on schedule and under budget. I remember spending hours researching and testing different materials that would offer long-term value while ensuring the renovation process was as smooth as possible.
The design phase was a significant part of the process. We spent a lot of time refining the interior design, making sure that every detail, from the furniture layout to the color scheme, aligned with our vision for the space. We wanted the environment to be a reflection of our brand, but also one that made our customers feel comfortable and engaged.
Once the renovations were underway, it was all about keeping everything on track. There were a lot of moving parts—working with subcontractors, making sure permits and licenses were in place, and overseeing the day-to-day progress. But every challenge we faced was an opportunity to apply what we’d learned from the first location and refine our processes.
And when it all came together, it was incredibly rewarding. The second location turned out exactly as we had envisioned, both in terms of design and functionality. We opened on time and on budget, and the feedback from our customers was exactly what we were hoping for.
Looking back, the process was a mix of careful planning, hands-on work, and a lot of perseverance. But ultimately, it was the lessons we’d learned from the first location that helped us execute the second one successfully. We turned the idea into a reality through dedication and a willingness to dive into every detail of the process—from getting the right licenses, to applying innovative construction techniques, to making sure the space reflected our brand in the best way possible.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
About Blue Blue & Our Journey
My brother and I moved to Utah 15 years ago and quickly noticed the lack of boba cafés, which were a staple of our life in China. Boba is more than just a drink for us—it’s a connection to our heritage, and we wanted to share that with our new community. After graduating from the University of Utah, we spent a year researching and learning about the restaurant industry, perfecting our tea brewing, and sourcing quality ingredients. In 2021, we opened our first Blue Blue location in West Valley City.
The name “Blue Blue” symbolizes our bond and unity, as we both worked towards the same dream despite our different personalities. Every aspect of Blue Blue reflects our journey—thoughtfully crafted drinks, a welcoming atmosphere, and a deep love for what we do.
What Sets Us Apart
Blue Blue is unique for our focus on freshness. We don’t rely on syrups or powders like many traditional boba cafés; instead, we use fresh fruit, brewed tea, and freshly made coffee to create a high-quality, flavorful experience. We innovate constantly, using seasonal produce and global flavors to excite our customers’ palates.
Our business model also sets us apart—we focus on keeping costs low without compromising quality. This efficiency allows us to offer premium products at competitive prices. Additionally, we prioritize employee satisfaction, fostering a positive environment that leads to great customer service.
Why We Expanded
The success of our first location and the strong feedback from our customers motivated us to open our second location. The lessons learned from our first store allowed us to refine our processes and operate more efficiently, saving time and money while achieving better results. This approach gives us confidence that every future location will be even better.
What We’re Most Proud Of
We’re proud of the community we’ve built around Blue Blue—where we can share our culture, offer exceptional drinks, and create a space that customers love to return to. We’re equally proud of our team, whose passion and dedication shine through in every cup.
What We Want People to Know
Blue Blue isn’t just about boba tea—it’s about bringing people together, creating memorable experiences, and offering high-quality products that reflect our values. We’re committed to continually innovating and improving, ensuring that every customer leaves with a smile.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
My advice is simple: follow your passion, educate yourself, stay positive, and most importantly—take action. Starting your business will never be easy, but it’s the journey that will teach you. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just take that first step, and the path will unfold.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Before opening Blue Blue, I worked as a DoorDash delivery driver for a couple of years. I was driving nearly 300 miles a day, working around 12 hours a day between DoorDash and other delivery platforms. Some nights, I worked late into the night to take advantage of bonus opportunities. It was grueling, but those days were incredibly formative. I saved every penny I could to eventually open my first location.
During that time, I was also observing a lot. I had the unique opportunity to analyze why certain restaurants thrived while others struggled. I would often ask myself, “Why is this place always busy?” and “What are they doing right that others aren’t?” This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the restaurant industry, even though I wasn’t directly involved in it at the time.
When we opened Blue Blue, I was able to apply some of the strategies and insights I learned from my delivery experience. Things like customer service, convenience, and creating a unique offering that stands out. While Blue Blue is still in its early stages of growth, those lessons gave me the confidence that if we could deliver a high-quality experience, just like the top-performing restaurants I saw, we would be successful too.
Looking back, the transition from a delivery driver to owning a café wasn’t easy, but it was a gradual build-up. Every step of my side hustle—from working long hours to observing how successful businesses operated—prepared me for the challenges of running my own business. The milestones came slowly: saving enough money for our first location, refining our brand, and building trust with our customers. Each small victory gave me the belief that this could become my full-time career, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as Blue Blue continues to grow.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
The first winter after we opened was incredibly tough, and there was a moment that really tested us. It was in the middle of November, and we had just opened our doors a few months prior. On a cold Monday, we had only two orders the entire day. It was a dark moment for Blue Blue—one of those days where you wonder if you’re going to make it. The reality of running a business set in, and it was hard not to feel discouraged.
But instead of letting it defeat us, my co-founders and I decided to hold a meeting with our employees after we closed that evening. We gathered everyone together to discuss what was happening, why we were struggling, and how we could overcome it. It was an emotional moment because we knew things were tight, but we chose to focus on solutions and encouragement rather than panic.
What struck me the most during that meeting was the support from our employees. Despite the uncertainty, they were understanding and committed. Many of them said they were okay with us paying them later in the month if things didn’t improve right away. Their loyalty and dedication were humbling, and I’ll never forget that moment.
Thankfully, we were able to turn things around. Over time, we continued to refine our strategy, improve our service, and build customer loyalty. To this day, we still have most of the employees who were with us from the beginning, and they’ve become more than just team members—they’re like family. That tough winter is something I’ll always remember, not just because of how close we came to failure, but because of how our team pulled together to support the business and each other.
It’s moments like that—when things seemed impossible—that really show you the value of having the right people around you. It’s a huge part of why I’m so grateful for our employees and why I believe Blue Blue will continue to succeed. We all learned and grew from that experience, and it taught me just how important resilience, teamwork, and loyalty are in business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/blue-blue-salt-lake-city
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueblueslc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueblueslc/?locale=es_LA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-blue-no-title
- Other: Google map:
Salt Lake City: 1749 S State St Ste#106, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
West Valley City: 3601 S 2700 W, West Valley City, UT 84119
