Gong cha to enter three new states — here's where
A Taiwan-based bubble tea chain is quickly growing its footprint in the United States by entering new markets.
Gong cha is continuing its growth with the signing of new multi-unit franchise agreements in Milwaukee, Wis., Portland, Maine, and Nashville, Tenn., with the deals marking the brand’s debut into each state. The new signings will help advance Gong cha’s goal to surpass 500 U.S. locations by 2028. It currently operates more than 240 stores in 23 states.
[READ MORE: Bubble tea brand Gong cha looks to add more than 250 locations by 2028]
In Milwaukee, Gong cha has awarded a five-unit franchise agreement to KGN Tea Co, led by lifelong friends and business partners Shehzad Ghaffar and Faiq Syed. In Portland, Gong cha has signed a multi-unit deal with Vacationland Tea Co, owned and operated by Tafari and Nhi Thomas, a husband-and-wife team with more than 20 years of restaurant management experience.
In Tennessee, Gong cha made its debut at the end of August, with its first store opening in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Operated by franchise group Siphony LLC, the new territory adds momentum to Gong cha’s Southern U.S. growth plans.
“These new markets represent the strength and scalability of the Gong cha model,” said Mark Treptow, VP of franchise sales & development for Gong cha Americas. “We’re entering untapped regions with experienced, multi-unit operators who believe in the product and the opportunity, and these deals move us that much closer to our goal of 500 U.S. stores by 2028.”
Gong cha is currently seeking franchise partners in markets across North America, including Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and the Southeastern U.S., as demand for premium bubble tea continues to rise, especially among younger consumers.
Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha operates nearly 2,200 locations in 30 international markets.
