Gong cha Signs 50-Unit Deal in Texas

Bubble tea concept Gong cha, with nearly 2,200 units across 33 international markets, continues to expand across the U.S.

On Monday, the brand announced it signed a 50-unit exclusive area development agreement in Texas with franchise operator Bakers Acres & Cattle Co. The deal marks the largest direct franchising deal in Gong cha’s history.

The deal follows March’s announcement that Gong cha had acquired the rights to 170 U.S. locations across 13 states from a master franchisee. At the time, it said bringing the territory in-house was part of its strategy to accelerate franchise development and strengthen long-term growth across the U.S.

“From our flexible footprint and efficient labor model to the strength of our global brand recognition, we’ve built a platform designed to help operators grow strategically and sustainably across high-potential markets like Texas,” says Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas, in the release.

Over the next seven years, BACC will further develop Gong cha’s presence across four major Texas markets, including Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.

Since launching direct franchising efforts in the U.S. about two years ago, Gong cha has signed growth deals in Texas, California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and other markets. In June, in opened its first unit in Maine. Meanwhile, it continues to lean on its modernized operating model, including its Gong cha 2.0 platform, which it says is designed for higher throughput, streamlined operations and improved franchisee performance through digital ordering, automation and optimized store design.

Gong cha aims to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028.