In every growing business, there comes a pivotal moment: the leap from “making it work” to building something sustainable, intentional, and ready for the future.
For Tin Tea, a vibrant boba and Vietnamese snack shop in Northfield, Minnesota, that moment came four years into their journey. And at Trekk Properties, we were honored to be part of it.
Founded in 2021 by then-19-year-old entrepreneur and St. Olaf student Chau Truong, Tin Tea opened with a bold dream and a whole lot of heart. The original location, while full of character, was tight on space — built for grab-and-go, not for the deep community connections Chau envisioned.
But Tin Tea grew fast. Beloved for its playful shark mascot, Gen Z-friendly vibe, and authentic Vietnamese flavors, the shop became a go-to spot for students, families, and locals alike.
Demand grew.
The team expanded.
And the limitations of the original space became increasingly clear.
Tin Tea was ready to scale. They just needed the right space — and the right people to believe in them.
For a young founder still juggling school and business, relocating was daunting. Chau didn’t just need a lease — she needed:
- Transparent, supportive communication
- A flexible, low-friction process
- A landlord who respected her vision
- A partner who cared about her long-term success
From the very first conversation, the Trekk team saw something special in Chau.
“We didn’t see a 19-year-old “figuring it out” — we saw a driven founder with a clear sense of purpose and a passion for serving her community.” – Chris Kennelly
Over the years, what began as a leasing conversation turned into a genuine partnership rooted in:
- Mutual respect
- Open communication
- Long-term support — not short-term transactions
As Chau put it:
“Chris [Kennelly] is one of my biggest role models. He believed in me from the beginning, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself yet.”
We take pride in that. Because at Trekk, we believe real estate is about more than buildings — it’s about people, vision, and building something that lasts.
Relocating a thriving shop could have been stressful — but our goal was to make it feel seamless.
We helped Tin Tea navigate their move like they were just upgrading apartments in the same complex — not starting from scratch. Through every step, our team was there to ensure alignment, answer questions, and offer flexibility where it mattered most.
We didn’t just hand over the keys. We stayed engaged — before, during, and after the move.
“I’ve never been afraid to ask Chris questions. I always feel respected. Negotiation is always possible.” — Chau
With a new home in one of Northfield’s most visible commercial areas, Tin Tea unlocked real potential:
- 150% increase in sales
- A shift from grab-and-go to destination hangout
- A welcoming, well-designed space for studying, connecting, and celebrating
- A growing food menu featuring spring rolls, bao, iced coffee, and cold-pressed juices
- A team that grew from 5 to 23 — many of them local students and young adults
Most importantly? Tin Tea became the local hub it was meant to be.
“Now everything runs smoothly. I just show up, everyone knows what to do, and we focus on what we love — serving the community.”
This wasn’t just a lease. It was a collaboration that worked because it was built on shared values:
🌱 Growth — Supporting Tin Tea as they scaled intentionally
💬 Communication — Being responsive, transparent, and easy to work with
🫱 Respect — Valuing Chau’s leadership and vision, always
🤝 Integrity — Staying invested beyond the transaction
“What’s special is that I always feel like I can talk to them. I never feel afraid. They respect me just as much as anyone else.”
At Trekk, we don’t just fill spaces. We create room for possibility.
The Tin Tea story is a powerful example of what can happen when a small business is backed by the right people — people who care not just about contracts, but about community impact and long-term success. Because when our clients grow, communities grow. And that’s what Trekk is all about.