Bubble Krave: Where innovation meets hospitality in Muskegon

This is part of the Shore Stories: Life Along the Lakeshore series, which includes columns by local and former residents about how people are making a difference along the Lakeshore.

On the corner of Broadway and Henry Street in Muskegon, a vibrant and unexpected experience awaits. Bubble Krave is more than a café — it’s a destination.

From the moment guests walk through the door, they’re greeted by an atmosphere that balances energy and elegance. The front of the space feels modern, upbeat, and social-media-worthy, with lush greenery and eye-catching décor that invite photos and conversation. Toward the back, the ambiance shifts into a refined tea room setting — intimate, curated, and charming.

The menu is equally diverse. Bubble Krave offers bubble tea, smoothies, pizza, burgers, ice cream, specialty beverages, and a wide array of snack foods. Whether you’re meeting friends for drinks, bringing the family for a casual bite, or stopping in for a quiet tea experience, there’s something for everyone.

One of the most memorable features is the café’s robotic servers — Roomba-style platforms designed like cats that glide through the dining area delivering food and even singing “Happy Birthday.” 

The playful innovation adds a unique, interactive element that sets Bubble Krave apart from anything else in the area.

Standout features

The tea room itself is a standout feature. Guests can explore a variety of specialty teas and browse beautifully crafted teapots, teacups, and unusual tea accessories available for purchase. It offers a moment of calm within the vibrant energy of the main dining space.

Co-owned by a passionate local entrepreneur who often works alongside her children, Bubble Krave embodies a true family-driven spirit. The heart of the business, however, is its service. Staff members are welcoming, personable, and genuinely invested in creating a positive experience for every guest. Visitors often remark on how quickly they feel at home.

“We wanted something different,” says co-owner LaShawn Matthews. “The original ad says ‘unplug and enjoy.’ The idea is for families to come out, enjoy having waffles and ice cream, and enjoy each other without always being in their phones.”

The robotic servers soon will gain more identity as part of the Bubble Krave family.

“The name the company gives each robot is Bella,” Matthews says, “but they said to give them a name to make them more of an employee. We’ll do that at our grand opening, which will be in the first couple of weeks of March. Everybody can throw in suggested names, and we’ll all vote.”

Whether you’re there to film content, celebrate a birthday, or simply enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, Bubble Krave delivers an experience that is both innovative and warmly personal.

Gina Lorentz-Laubach is a longtime Muskegon resident and mom who is passionate about community building.