A veteran multi-unit franchisee group is expanding beyond traditional dining, with Alkhatib family signing a five-unit development agreement with Feng Cha to bring the fast-growing beverage concept deeper into Texas.
The deal covers three locations in Waco and two across the Dallas–Fort Worth market, with the first outlet expected to open later in 2026, marking Feng Cha’s entry into Waco and strengthening its footprint in North Texas.
Led by Yasser Alkhatib along with his sons Khalid and Beshr, the family brings more than 25 years of restaurant operating experience and will directly oversee day-to-day operations and expansion of the new stores.
“Quality, scalability, and genuine appeal were all present when we discovered Feng Cha,” said Yasser Alkhatib, adding that the fast-growing beverage category and the brand’s focus on premium ingredients and customisation made it a strong fit for their portfolio.
The Alkhatibs are established franchise operators, with a portfolio of 11 Denny’s locations across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Since 2008, the family has developed multiple units from the ground up, consistently meeting or exceeding corporate growth benchmarks.
Founded in Texas by Johnny Gao and Yan Chen, Feng Cha has grown to more than 80 locations nationwide, positioning itself as a premium, customisable beverage brand within the fast-expanding specialty tea segment.
Gao said the partnership aligns with the brand’s expansion strategy, noting that the Alkhatib family’s disciplined, high performing” track record and local market expertise make them an ideal operator for scaling in new territories.
The agreement highlights a broader shift among experienced franchisees diversifying into high-margin beverage concepts, as demand for bubble tea and specialty drinks continues to rise across U.S. markets.
