BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gong cha, the world’s premier bubble tea brand, was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Regarded as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the List ranks Gong cha as #1 in the Tea category for the second year in a row for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.
With more than 1,900 locations globally, Gong cha’s impressive ranking is reflective of the brand’s continued aggressive growth strategy in the U.S. and internationally, as well as the overall profitability and popularity of the bubble tea sector. Since 2014, Gong cha has opened over 190 stores in the U.S. across 18 states and Washington, D.C., with plans to reach more than 500 stores by 2025. In 2022, Gong cha grew its U.S. store count 35% YOY—opening 50 new locations—and is projected to grow its store count by an additional 40% in 2023, adding 80 new locations. Additionally in 2022, Gong cha signed new master franchisees in three key territories, including the Midwest, the Rockies, and the South Central regions, and is continuing to develop additional master franchise territories across the country.
“We are honored to be included in Entrepreneur’s prestigious list of America's top franchises for the second year in a row,” says Paul Reynish, Gong cha’s Global CEO. “Being recognized as the leader of our category confirms what we already know: The growth potential for the Gong cha brand and our master and sub-franchisees is both exciting and nearly limitless.”
Gong cha’s success can be attributed to several distinct factors including:
- Premium Quality Products: Gong cha sources its teas from the finest estates across Asia, prepares the tea and tapioca pearls fresh in each store throughout the day, and offers customers the ability to customize their beverage to their exact specifications, with over 600 possible combinations of toppings, ice, and sweetness levels available.
- Simple & Scalable Operational Model: Gong cha shops require only a moderate capital investment and minimal buildout; equipment costs are low thanks to efficient use of space and limited food preparation requirements; virtually all ingredients have a long shelf life (so there’s very little waste); and it’s a low cost of goods with high markups.
- Strong Corporate Support: Gong cha provides its franchisees with access to a fully built-out supply chain—with the highest quality ingredients sourced and shipped directly from Taiwan, assistance identifying optimal store locations, and robust consumer marketing and advertising programs.
- Master Franchise Model: Gong cha employs a master franchise model that allows seasoned entrepreneurs with the enterprise-level experience, passion, and financial resources to develop, support, and sustain a large territory, typically across multiple states. Additionally, sub-franchising opens the door to entrepreneurship for many people to own their own business, and get in on the ground floor of “the next big thing” in the food/beverage industry.
Gong cha is actively seeking master and sub-franchisees to continue its rapid growth across the U.S. For more information on Gong cha’s franchise program, visit https://gongchafranchising.com/.
ABOUT GONG CHA
Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is the world’s premier bubble tea brand. Its commitment to quality starts with its name: “Gong cha” means to offer the best tea to the emperor from all of one’s possessions. From the most seasoned bubble tea connoisseur to a first-timer, Gong cha offers its customers the ability to customize their beverage to their exact specifications, and never sacrifices flavor or technique. With more than 1,900 locations across 22 countries, it is also one of the fastest-growing bubble tea brands, attracting entrepreneurs across the globe to its lucrative franchise program. For more, please visit gong-cha.com.
