Global bubble tea giant Gong cha has officially entered the Maine market, announcing the opening of its first-ever location in the state at 200 Running Hill Road in South Portland. The store will open on June 27, marking another milestone in the brand’s accelerating North American expansion strategy.
Founded in Taiwan and now operating nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, Gong cha continues to build momentum across the United States as consumer demand for premium and customizable beverage concepts grows. The South Portland outlet expands the brand’s presence across the Northeast and introduces Maine consumers to its portfolio of freshly brewed teas, milk teas, fruit teas, and personalized bubble tea offerings.
The new franchise is owned and operated by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Tafari and Nhi Thomas, experienced multi-unit operators with more than 20 years in the restaurant and hospitality sector. The couple first encountered the brand during visits to Boston’s Chinatown nearly a decade ago and later identified Gong cha as a strong addition to their business portfolio due to its growing popularity, operational simplicity, and long-term growth potential.
“One of the most exciting aspects of our growth over the past several years has been seeing Gong cha resonate in an increasingly diverse range of markets,” said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. “What was once concentrated in a handful of major cities has evolved into a nationwide opportunity, driven by consumers’ growing appetite for premium, customizable beverage experiences.”
Commenting on the launch, Tafari Thomas said, “Throughout our careers, we’ve always looked for brands that deliver an exceptional customer experience while offering a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Gong cha combines a premium product, passionate customer following and operational simplicity in a way that’s incredibly compelling. We’re excited to introduce the brand to Maine and create a destination where guests can experience bubble tea at its best.”
To celebrate the opening, Gong cha will host a two-day grand opening event on June 27 and 28 featuring giveaways, promotional offers, live entertainment, and cultural performances. The first 100 guests each day will receive either a complimentary medium beverage or an exclusive Gong cha key ring. Customers will also be able to take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free offers on select signature drinks. Activities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a traditional lion dance performance by Wah May Lion Dance, live DJs, family entertainment, product sampling, and social media contests offering prizes such as a Nintendo Switch, television, and Beats headphones.
The Maine debut comes as Gong cha accelerates its broader U.S. growth plans. The company currently operates more than 240 locations across 23 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Ranked No. 1 in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Tea category for five consecutive years, the brand is targeting more than 500 locations across the Americas by 2028.
Recent investments in supply chain infrastructure and a transition to a direct franchising model have further strengthened the company’s ability to scale consistently across the United States, supporting its ambition to significantly expand its footprint in both traditional and non-traditional venues.
The South Portland opening underscores Gong cha’s strategy of expanding beyond major metropolitan areas and tapping into emerging regional markets, as bubble tea continues its transformation from a niche beverage category into a mainstream consumer trend across North America.
