As the interior began to take shape, with walls painted and counters starting to shine, the space already hinted at the warmth and energy First Round Boba & Crepes would bring to the Salem community—even before every detail was complete. The unfinished interiors, with glimpses of raw wood and construction still visible, became a metaphor for the beginnings of something bigger: a gathering place where neighbors, students, and friends could connect over boba, matcha drinks, Thai milk tea, and hand-folded Japanese crepes. Each beam, countertop, and light fixture reflected the care and intention First Round pours into its drinks and its mission, showing that even in progress, something meaningful is taking root. The cafe’s evolving interior mirrored its role in the community—a space growing alongside the people it serves, promising moments of joy, connection, and flavor with every visit.