Sponsored by Gong cha Americas
Bubble tea has surged in popularity, becoming a global sensation. With its unique blend of chewy tapioca pearls and sweet, flavorful teas, it has won over the hearts of millions. The market for this trendy drink is booming, with projections showing significant growth. According to an Allied Market Research report, the global bubble tea market size was valued at $2.4 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $4.3 billion by 2027. This rapid expansion highlights bubble tea’s appeal, driven by innovative flavors and a growing fan base eager to explore new, creative drink combinations.
A standout in the rapidly growing bubble tea industry is Gong cha, a premium brand known for its high-quality ingredients, innovative flavors, and milk foam topped bubble teas. Gong cha has expanded rapidly, now boasting nearly 2,200 locations worldwide and over 230 stores across 21 states. With a goal to exceed 500 U.S. stores by 2025, Gong cha continues to lead the charge in bringing premium tea to new audiences.
Unlike competitors who rely on powdered tea and industrial machines, Gong cha’s stores crew properly boils water and steeps the tea by hand, brewing four varieties multiple times a day to ensure freshness. “We’re dedicated to freshness and quality, which is why we use only the finest teas, hand-steeped to perfection,” says Mark Treptow, vice president of franchise sales and development at Gong cha.
Gong cha’s success is rooted in its commitment to consistency, with carefully developed policies, procedures, and recipe manuals that have been fine-tuned over the years. “We also have a dedicated team in place for franchisee support and rigorous quality control measures to maintain excellence across all locations,” Treptow adds.
Gong cha’s Franchise Disclosure Document includes comprehensive training modules and a structured two-week curriculum. “Our support continues right through the grand opening, ensuring each store is fully operational and set up for success before we transition,” says Treptow. The brand also embraces a simple yet powerful philosophy: by taking excellent care of one another as individuals, a supportive and enjoyable workplace naturally emerges, creating a warm, welcoming environment for customers.
In addition to their comprehensive training and support, the implementation of kiosks has been another key factor contributing to Gong cha’s ongoing success. “Fifty percent of our orders now come through kiosks, which have driven higher average ticket values,” Treptow says. “Kiosks give customers the freedom to explore all options at their own pace, enhancing their overall experience.” Kiosks aren’t about eliminating the human aspect, but rather allow Gong cha employees to focus more on ensuring the overall experience is top-notch.
Gong cha stands out as a leader in the bubble tea industry, not only for its rich heritage and commitment to quality but also for its innovative approach to franchise opportunities. Well-equipped to empower franchisees to thrive in this growing market, Gong cha offers a promising venture to those looking to become part of a global legacy that values quality, creativity, and community.
Visit the Gong cha website today to learn more about the growing franchise.
Abby Winterburn
