Gong Cha, the global bubble tea chain, is planning a major expansion across Texas, with a new franchise agreement expected to bring 50 additional locations to the state’s four largest metropolitan areas over the next seven years.
The Taiwan-based beverage brand has signed a franchise development deal with Bakers Acres & Cattle Company, a Houston-based company with a portfolio that includes ranchland, commercial real estate and Nothing Bundt Cakes franchises.
The agreement will expand Gong Cha’s presence across San Antonio, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, although specific locations and the number of stores planned for each market have not yet been announced.
Gong Cha currently has a relatively small presence in San Antonio, with three existing locations. The new development agreement could significantly increase the brand’s footprint in the city as the company continues its Texas expansion.
Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong Cha has grown to nearly 2,200 locations worldwide, with restaurants across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.
The brand made its Texas debut in Houston in July 2016 and has since expanded throughout the state.
Gong Cha is known for its selection of brewed teas, including green, oolong, Earl Grey and black teas. Customers can customise their drinks by temperature and sweetness level and add toppings such as boba pearls, milk foam, pudding and jellies.
The chain also serves fruit-based teas featuring flavours such as mango, passionfruit and strawberry, along with smoothies and slushes.
As bubble tea continues to gain popularity in the U.S., Gong Cha’s expansion comes as demand grows for customisable, non-alcoholic beverages. The colourful drinks have also become popular among younger consumers and on social media.
While the specific San Antonio locations have not yet been announced, the franchise agreement represents a significant opportunity for Gong Cha to expand its local footprint.
WhatNow San Antonio will continue to follow Gong Cha’s expansion and provide updates as more information about the new locations becomes available.
