Bubble tea chain Gong cha has acquired 170 stores in the United States from its master franchisee Gong Cha Global North America as the company moves to strengthen its franchise network and accelerate growth in one of its fastest growing markets.
The deal brings a significant portion of the brand’s US operations under direct control. The 170 locations account for the majority of Gong cha’s footprint in the country, which currently spans about 240 outlets across multiple states.
The acquisition is expected to streamline operations, improve consistency across the system and allow the company to work more closely with franchise partners as it expands. By bringing the territory in house, Gong cha will oversee development, operations and franchise support directly rather than through a master franchise structure.
The stores involved in the transaction operate across 13 states including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida and North Carolina. The company said the move will enable it to strengthen its supply chain, introduce operational upgrades more quickly and improve training and support for franchisees.
The US remains a priority growth market for Gong cha as demand for specialty beverages and Asian tea concepts continues to rise. The company is targeting 1,000 locations across the United States in the long term and believes direct oversight of key markets will help speed up expansion.
Globally, Gong cha operates close to 2,200 stores across more than 30 markets including Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. The brand was founded in Taiwan in 2006 and has expanded largely through franchising, building a strong presence in international markets.
Alongside its growth strategy, Gong cha has also been rolling out a new operational platform designed to modernize stores and improve efficiency. The updated model includes refreshed store designs, digital ordering capabilities and automated drink preparation technology aimed at improving service speed and consistency.
It is noted that the specialty beverage category in the US is becoming increasingly competitive as global tea brands and local concepts expand aggressively. By consolidating control over its franchise territory, Gong cha is positioning itself to scale faster and strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing bubble tea segment.
