Ching Ching CHA

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Ching Ching opened her teahouse, Ching Ching Cha, 25 years ago in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The quiet, peaceful teahouse has almost no exterior decoration, and has never spent a dime on advertisement. 

To Ching Ching, this was never a business. Tea means connections, it brings people in to get to know each other by spending time together. In a bustling city filled with politics and money, people “starve for connection", said Ching Ching.

“A lot of students when they start university they spend every final here, and then they get married, and they have kids, they bring their kids, that means a lot," Ching Ching said, “then it shows me, oh it really has been 25 years. I didn't even know what 25 years meant".

After relocating to the West End from Georgetown, just as many of her fans feared that the local gem will no longer operate, Ching Ching, quiet and subtle as always, reopened her doors. Only this time, there are much more obstacles before she can return to full service.

1. In order to resume her food and beverages service, the D.C. government requires an updated permit for the new location.

2. Ching Ching wishes to apply solely for the beverages permit in order to expedite the process.

3. An extra approval is required by the D.C. Office of Zoning because the teahouse's location in a historical neighborhood.

4. Locating funds, microloans in order to keep the business alive during the process.

1. AI-Driven Policy Research: Leveraging cutting-edge AI tools, we conducted precise and organized policy research to navigate the complexities of local permit update, zoning and loans qualifications & regulations.
2. Timeline and Tracklist Management: Using Microsoft Excel, we created a detailed timeline and task list to ensure all permit requirements and deadlines were seamlessly tracked and met.
3. PR & Government Relations Campaigns: Through strategic phonebanking and email outreach, we mobilised community support and engaged stakeholders to advocate for the permit update with the D.C. Office of Zoning.

This streamlined process ensured a smooth permit application journey for the local teahouse, paving the way for its next chapter.

On behalf of Ching Ching CHA: Opus reached out to a wide variety of stakeholders that have contributed significantly to the permit-update process. This includes: Brooke Pinto [Councilmember, Ward 2, Washington, D.C.], Sara & Miranda [Deloitte Consulting LLP], D.C. Office of Zoning, D.C. Office of Planning, D.C.,
The District of Columbia Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC), etc.

As of the end of 2024, Ching Ching CHA has located and completed all required paperwork for the permit update, and the PR & GR campaigns contributed significantly to the unanimous agreement from the Board of Zoning Agreement, and the successful approval from the Office of Zoning. The beloved teahouse is in full preparation for its return to service in the near future...

Though the permit update process was thankfully a much-needed success, Opus is still actively monitoring Ching Ching CHA's all social media activities, and providing monthly updates and consulting services. Opus is currently in the process of launching the #OpenforTea campaign, to maximize the brand exposure amid the return to full service.