Gong cha Ranks #1 in Category in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500® List for Third Year in a Row

Published a year ago via Business Wire

The world’s premier bubble tea brand once again snags the top spot for tea franchises

Gong cha, the world’s premier bubble tea brand, was recognized for the third year in a row as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 45 years, landing a spot on the Franchise 500® has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, highlighting a brand’s strength and stability for potential franchisees. Gong cha was ranked #1 in the Tea category for the third consecutive year, owing to its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

In 2023, Gong cha once again demonstrated a double digit increase in sales, and grew its U.S. store count by 19% YOY—opening 41 new locations. It is projected to grow its Americas store count by over 30% in 2024, adding 130 new locations. Additionally, in 2023, Gong cha signed new Master Franchisees in the Great Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon and Idaho), as well as Central America, and is continuing to develop additional territories across the U.S.

With more than 2,100 locations globally, Gong cha’s impressive ranking is reflective of the brand’s continued aggressive growth strategy in the U.S. and internationally, as well as the overall profitability and popularity of the bubble tea sector. Since 2014, Gong cha has opened over 400 stores throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. In the U.S. alone, the brand has opened more than 225 stores across 19 states and Washington, D.C., with plans to reach more than 1,000 stores across the Americas in the next three years.

“We are honored to once again be included in Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious list of America's top franchises, and ranked #1 in category for the third consecutive year,” says Geoff Henry, Gong cha’s President of the Americas. “In 2024, we’re poised to continue our strong growth trajectory and positioning as the market leader in bubble tea across the Americas.”

Gong cha’s success can be attributed to several distinct factors including:

  • Premium Quality Products: Gong cha sources its teas from the finest estates across Asia, prepares the tea and tapioca pearls fresh in each store throughout the day, and offers customers the ability to customize their beverage to their exact specifications—with over 600 possible combinations of toppings, ice, and sweetness levels available.
  • Simple & Scalable Operational Model: Gong cha shops require only a moderate capital investment and minimal buildout. Equipment costs are low thanks to efficient use of space and limited food preparation requirements, virtually all ingredients have a long shelf life (so there’s very little waste), and it’s a low cost of goods with high markups.
  • Strong Corporate Support: Gong cha provides its franchisees with access to a fully built-out supply chain—with the highest quality ingredients sourced and shipped directly from Taiwan, assistance identifying optimal store locations, and robust consumer marketing and advertising programs.

Gong cha is actively seeking franchisees to continue its rapid growth across the U.S. For more information on Gong cha’s franchise program, visit https://gongchausofficial.com/.

ABOUT GONG CHA

Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is the world’s premier bubble tea brand. Its commitment to quality starts with its name: “Gong cha” means to offer the best tea to the emperor from all of one’s possessions. From the most seasoned bubble tea connoisseur to a first-timer, Gong cha offers its customers the ability to customize their beverage to their exact specifications, and never sacrifices flavor or technique. With more than 2,100 locations across 23 countries, it is also one of the fastest-growing bubble tea brands, attracting entrepreneurs across the globe to its lucrative franchise program. Gong cha was ranked #1 in the Tea category on Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500® list for three consecutive years (2024, 2023, 2022); awarded category winner of Top Food & Beverage Franchises in the Global Franchise Awards (2023); ranked #151 on Franchise Times’ Top 400 List of the largest U.S. based franchise systems by global systemwide sales (2023, 2022 & 2021); ranked #25 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers List honoring brands leading the industry (2023); and named one of QSR Magazine’s 17 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2023. For more, please visit https://gongchausofficial.com.

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