Ruth Bayan
Northwest Asia Weekly
On July 5th, the rubble from the fire swept the Nuggi Boba cafe. (Photo from Young Cho’s GoFundMe page)
A fire in the early morning of July 5 destroyed many businesses in the White Center, including a brand new Boba tea cafe that will open later this month.
Sharon Lei, one of the owners of Nuggi Boba and Bingsu, told KIRO 7, “This is my first business…all my savings. I sold my car for this.”
Lei and Young Cho created a GoFundMe page to help them rebuild the cafe.
Cho wrote: “For months, we have been working tirelessly to bring something special to the White Center community to increase many other outstanding local businesses… This shop is completely at a loss, see It’s heartbreaking until everything disappears in the ashes and rubble.”
Cho added: “As our lives move forward from the pandemic, we want to create a safe space for everyone, where everyone can participate.
Hope that with your help, we will be able to rebuild, count our blessings, and share our laughter and enjoy each other in the community space. “
The flames started and spread from the basement of The Lumber Yard Bar. Investigators believe that this was an accident, not caused by fireworks.
In addition to White Center’s first LGBTQ bar, The Lumber Yard Bar, other companies affected include Mexican grocery store La Típica Oaxaqueña; Mouse City Tattoo; and Boxing Stadium West. No one was injured.
King County Chief Executive Dow Constantine visited the fire scene near Southwestern 16th Avenue and Roxbury Avenue on the afternoon of July 5. Constantine called the incident “a blow to the White Center” and said his office would work with business owners to determine grants and other assistance.
If you want to donate to help rebuild the cafe, please visit
Ruth can be at editor@nwasianweekly.com.
