Gong cha Climbs Over 100 Spots in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500 ® List, Ranking #181

Published 11 hours ago via Business Wire

The world’s premier bubble tea brand also ranked #1 in its category for the fourth consecutive year

Gong cha, the world’s premier bubble tea brand, improved its ranking in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® by 115 spots, soaring to #181 from its 2024 ranking of #296. Gong cha also retained its title as the #1 franchise in the Tea category for the fourth consecutive year. For 46 years, achieving placement on the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, recognizing outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

With nearly 2,200 locations in 28 international markets, Gong cha’s impressive ranking and continued upward trajectory is reflective of the brand’s aggressive growth strategy in the U.S. and internationally, as well as the overall profitability and popularity of the bubble tea sector. In 2024, Gong cha opened 82 new locations worldwide, achieved a 6.4% YOY increase in global sales growth, and entered new markets including the Middle East (Saudi Arabia), Central America (Honduras), Morocco, La Reunion, Mauritius and Puerto Rico.

In 2024, Gong cha U.S. marked several significant milestones, including the launch of its direct franchising program—signing its first two direct franchisees in Puerto Rico and Las Vegas—and subsequently closing a 30 unit agreement in Puerto Rico with a large multi-brand operator due to the brand’s immediate popularity in the market. In 2024, Gong cha also introduced successful marketing and product initiatives, partnering with viral brands including FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE, Frank's RedHot®, and Hershey’s, and launching new trending LTOs like Pumpkin Pie and Red Velvet. Since 2014 Gong cha has opened more than 230 stores in the U.S. across 21 states and Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. This year, Gong cha will open its first stores in the Great Pacific Northwest territory including Washington State and Oregon, as well as its first locations in Tennessee, and is on track to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by the end of 2025.

“Climbing over 100 spots in the Franchise 500® ranking—and being recognized as #1 in our category by Entrepreneur magazine for the fourth year in a row—is an incredible achievement,” says Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. “It reflects the tremendous momentum we’ve built as a brand, and the dedication of our franchisees and teams. As we look to 2025, we’re excited to continue innovating, expanding our footprint, and solidifying Gong cha’s place as the global market leader in bubble tea.”

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 margins.
  • 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 Americas. 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 its premium product, simple and scalable operational model, and strong corporate support, Gong cha is one of the fastest-growing bubble tea brands in the U.S and internationally, with nearly 2,200 locations in 28 international markets. Since 2014 Gong cha has opened more than 230 stores in the U.S. across 21 states and Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, and is on track to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2025. Gong cha was ranked #1 in the Tea category in Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fourth consecutive year (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022); awarded category winner of Top Food & Beverage Franchises in the Global Franchise Awards (2023); and ranked #140 on Franchise Times’ Top 400 List of the largest U.S. based franchise systems by global systemwide sales (2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021); ranked #5 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers List honoring brands leading the industry (2024); and named one of QSR Magazine’s 17 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2023. For more, please visit gongchausofficial.com.

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