Taiwan-based bubble tea brand Gong cha has announced its expansion across the Western US, expediting its next major growth phase.
This move aims to build on the brand’s substantial presence in the east of the Rockies, where it operates more than 200 of its 240 stores.
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The expansion includes entering new markets such as the Pacific Northwest, Arizona and Hawaii, with a particular focus on increasing its footprint in California.
The company has announced its first venture into Arizona, signing a multi-unit franchise agreement with Blu Tea Arizona for Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler.
Additionally, Gong cha is set to open its inaugural Seattle-area store in Washington State this spring, under the stewardship of franchisees Ajay and Prachi Keshap. It marks the company’s first step into the Pacific Northwest.
The brand has also reclaimed the franchise rights for California, where it currently operates 27 locations.
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By GlobalDataWith these rights, Gong cha is now poised to scale its operations, aiming to establish 200 stores across California in the forthcoming years.
This growth is a central component of the company’s overarching objective to exceed 500 US locations by 2028.
Gong cha Americas franchise sales and development vice-president Mark Treptow said: “With more than 200 stores east of the Rockies, we’ve laid a strong foundation—and now we’re building on that momentum with a bold push across the Western US.
“The strength of our brand is attracting experienced, multi-unit operators who see real opportunity in this category, and we’re confident in our goal of surpassing 500 US locations in the next three years. We’re growing with passionate, best-in-class partners who believe in the product, the experience, and the long-term potential of the Gong cha model.”
Gong cha is actively on the lookout for premier franchise partners in Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii.
