SAN FRANCISCO—On the evening of Sunday, September 1, 2025, at 9:39 p.m. Purple Kow boba shop, located at 3620 Balboa Street, in the Outer Richmond District a fire started in the kitchen area of the shop.
Although the fire was controlled within the hour, it spread to the walls of the building and its attic. The damage from the fire most likely includes the dining area. There was possible water damage from the San Francisco Fire Department that impacted the area. No one was injured in this fire.
Instead of having in-person service, it will temporarily have curbside pickup and online orders. There will be a limited selection of menu items while the boba shop is recovering from the fire.
According to Purple Kow’s Facebook social media page, the team at Purple Kow is grateful to the crew at San Francisco Fire Department for helping put out the fire.
Purple Kow boba shop started in 2011 in San Francisco, spreading to a Berkeley location in 2013. They set up their last location in Roseville Saturday, November 25, 2023. Purple Kow is a well-known and popular hangout of boba tea shop, recognized around the San Francisco Bay Area for its generous drink portions, customizable options and signature ‘D3’ drink with pudding and boba. It has busy lines, especially during weekend evenings. It is a favorite of locals and even served as a wedding caterer.
