The lone retail space in a new mixed-use building at 1700 Dorchester Ave. across from St. Mark’s Church will soon be home to DOTTEA, the neighborhood’s newest boba tea shop. 

“I’m most excited to bring the new version of Vietnamese boba milk tea and fruit tea to this area and community,” said owner and operator Cee Nguyen. “All the teas and coffees are imported from Vietnam.” 

The building, which was completed last year, includes studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments above the retail site, which is set to open in late spring. In addition to boba milk tea, the store will offer fruit tea, Vietnamese coffee, and snacks such as waffles and crepes. 

Along with his wife, Gigi, Cee also owns Ban Toi, a Vietnamese restaurant at 1035 Dorchester Ave. in Savin Hill. The couple live in the St. Mark’s neighborhood and hope to see their businesses continue to positively impact the community they call home. 

Leslie MacKinnon, of MacKinnon & Co., was tasked with leasing the space six months ago. She believes DOTTEA is the perfect fit and that residents in the apartment units above the retail space and on the streets nearby will enjoy having a “cafe hangout” space. 

“We’re really hoping that it’s a place for the neighbors to gather and socialize in a casual setting without having to go too far,” said MacKinnon. “I think it’s really great for the neighborhood, and it’s nice to have a local family that lives right there in the neighborhood be owners and operators of it.” 

More details about the opening will be available later this spring.