Ingleside’s Ocean Avenue is losing one of its bubble tea shops.
Owner Tracy Zhou opened Purtea in 2023 to bring fresh ingredients, made-to-order items and a relaxing spot to hang out to the neighborhood.
“I have met so many regulars who tell us how much they love my space and my products and it really is bittersweet for me,” Zhou said.
Though a sign posted in the window of Purtea last month stated it would be closed temporarily from Aug. 27 to Sept. 8, Zhou announced via Instagram on Sept. 1 that she would be closing the location and company for good.
Aside from serving boba, Purtea had become a community spot and participated in neighborhood events like the 2024 Wine Walk and the first-ever Ocean Avenue Boba Festival in 2025. Purtea also hosted The Ingleside Light for its first Merry Mixer and other organizations like the Boba Buddies SF.
Purtea is moving out. | Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light
Though Purtea is leaving, the space may not remain empty for long. Zhou said a new restaurant will open there soon.
“Although I want to stay and keep my dream alive, I fear this is the right step for me to take and I know this community will welcome the new tenants just like how they welcomed me,” Zhou said.
Closure may not be Purtea’s official end. While she doesn’t have any plans at this moment for the bubble tea shop, Zhou is keeping her options open.
“I just really, really want to let them [the people] know how appreciative I am of the community, although there have been rough times, everyone was always there to step in to help,” Zhou said. “I have lived most of my life in Ingleside, so it really feels full circle and hard to part for me.”
Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
