Gong Cha, the international bubble tea phenomenon, is making a bold move into the Texas market. The Taiwanese company has secured a 50-unit franchise agreement with Houston-based Bakers Acres & Cattle Company (BACC) marking the largest direct franchising deal in the chain’s history. This expansion will bring new Gong Cha stores to San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston with the rollout scheduled over the next seven years.
The Alamo City already boasts five Gong Cha locations and this new deal promises to significantly increase the brand’s presence in Texas. Founded in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2006 Gong Cha has grown rapidly, now operating 2,200 locations across 28 international markets. The brand’s success is rooted in its customizable bubble teas, which allow customers to choose their tea bases, toppings, and sweetness levels.
Gong Cha’s Strategic Expansion in the US
This franchise agreement is part of Gong Cha’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the United States. The company recently acquired master franchise rights for 170 US locations across 13 states including Texas. This move positions Gong Cha for faster franchise roll-out and long-term nationwide growth. Geoff Henry, President of Gong Cha Americas, emphasized the brand’s appeal to multi-unit operators, stating, “As Gong cha continues expanding across the US, we’re seeing strong interest from multi-unit operators looking to grow with the global leader.”
BACC, a multi-generational family business, brings extensive experience in growing franchise brands. Since entering franchising in with Nothing Bundt Cakes BACC has built a successful bakery operation across Greater Houston. The company’s track record of outperforming systemwide averages makes them a strong partner for Gong Cha’s expansion.
The Rise of Bubble Tea in the US
Bubble tea, originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, has evolved from a niche beverage to a mainstream favorite. Initially popular in Asian American communities, these sweetened drinks—typically made with black, green, or oolong tea—have gained a wider following in recent years. Gong Cha’s shops offer a variety of bubble teas, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Gong Cha’s modernized operating model, including its Gong Cha 2.0 platform supports higher throughput, streamlined operations, and improved franchisee performance. This platform leverages digital ordering, automation, and optimized store design to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.
Looking Ahead
With this significant franchise agreement, Gong Cha is poised to become a dominant player in the Texas beverage market. The brand’s focus on operational simplicity, strong consumer demand, and cost-efficient scaling aligns with the needs of franchisees. As Gong Cha continues to expand, it is likely to attract more multi-unit operators looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of bubble tea.
For those interested in franchising opportunities with Gong Cha, more information can be found on their official website. This expansion not only benefits the brand but also brings more variety and innovation to the Texas beverage scene.
