Boston — Gong cha, the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, has signed a 50-unit exclusive area development agreement in Texas with seasoned franchise operator Bakers Acres & Cattle Company (BACC). The agreement marks the largest direct franchising deal in Gong cha history and further expands the company’s U.S. footprint.
This deal follows Gong cha’s recent acquisition of master franchise rights for 170 U.S. locations, across 13 states, including Texas.
“As Gong cha continues expanding across the U.S., we’re seeing strong interest from multi-unit operators looking to grow with the global leader,” says Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas. “Franchisees are looking for concepts with operational simplicity, strong consumer demand and the ability to scale efficiently at relatively low cost, and Gong cha delivers on all of these. 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.”
Under the momentous 50-unit deal, BACC will further develop Gong cha’s presence across four major Texas markets over the next 7 years, including: Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.
Bakers Acres & Cattle Company is a Houston-based, multi-generational family business with a strong track record scaling premium franchise concepts. Since entering franchising in 2015 with Nothing Bundt Cakes, BACC has built a successful bakery operation across Greater Houston and is actively expanding toward a 12-bakery platform.
Since launching direct franchising efforts in the U.S. approximately 24 months ago, Gong cha has continued accelerating its nationwide expansion through strategic multi-unit development agreements across both established and emerging markets. During that time, the brand has signed significant growth deals in Texas, California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and additional high-opportunity markets.
Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is the world’s premier bubble tea brand. Gong cha currently operates more than 240 locations across 23 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico — and is on track to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028. The brand’s modernized operating model, including its Gong cha 2.0 platform, is designed to support higher throughput, streamlined operations and improved franchisee performance through digital ordering, automation and optimized store design. For more information, visit https://gongchausa.com/franchise-opportunities/ and www.gongchausofficial.com.
SOURCE: Gong cha