Taiwanese bubble tea brand Gong cha has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with franchisee group Blu Tea Arizona to bring its offerings to the Arizona market, marking its entry to the US state.
The new stores will be located in Tempe, Mesa and Chandler, contributing to Gong cha’s footprint in the western US.
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This expansion is part of the brand’s strategic plan for 500 US locations by 2028.
Blu Tea Arizona is operated by a group that has previously developed Gong cha outlets in other regions.
This agreement represents their third territory expansion with the brand.
The introduction of Gong cha to Arizona aligns with the state’s warm climate, increasing bubble tea awareness and a demographic that aligns with the brand’s target audience.
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By GlobalDataMore than 22% of Arizona’s population is aged between 15 and 29, Gong cha’s core customer base, enabling market entry and sustained growth.
Blu Tea Arizona president Fernando Ochoa stated: “When we first explored diversifying our franchise portfolio with a beverage concept, we were looking for a category leader with strong demand, with a premium product, and a scaleable model.”
“Based upon this, we chose to partner with Gong cha. Our success in other markets has affirmed our confidence in the brand, and we see a strong opportunity to continue to scale into Arizona with a multi-unit deal. We plan to grow quickly with multiple stores across the Phoenix region.”
In May 2025, Gong cha announced the appointment of Michael Nedelkovich Jr to lead growth in high-traffic, non-traditional venues.
