Gong cha franchise
Gong cha is a bubble tea chain founded in Taiwan, serving brewed teas, milk teas and fruit teas with toppings such as pearls and milk foam. Stores are small and counter-service. At the end of 2025 there were 38 Gong cha locations in the US, 36 franchised and 2 company-owned. Most US Gong cha stores are run by master franchisees; direct unit franchises like this one started in 2024.
- Cost to open
- $207K–$648K
- Franchise fee
- $37,000
- Royalty
- 6%
- Locations, 2025
- 38+36 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- First location
- 2006
- Franchisor based in
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Time to open
- 150 to 300 days after signing
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- Protected territory
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From Gong cha USA Franchising, LLC’s 2026 filing.
How much a Gong cha franchise costs
Opening one Gong cha store costs an estimated $207,450 to $648,460. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Gong cha USA Franchising, LLC, 2026 filing, page 31
Gong cha franchise fee
The franchise fee is $37,000, for a single store. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Gong cha USA Franchising, LLC, 2026 filing, page 20
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 6% of weekly net sales, paid weekly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | 1% of weekly net sales to the brand marketing fund (can rise to 2%). |
Source: Gong cha USA Franchising, LLC, 2026 filing, page 22
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Gong cha publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it reports 2025 net sales for 222 U.S. stores open the full year, including master franchise stores. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Gong cha USA Franchising, LLC, 2026 filing, page 75
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 (0) | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 4 (+4) | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | 36 (+32) | 2 | 0 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Gong cha USA Franchising, LLC, 2026 filing, page 78
How Gong cha compares
Of the 86 food franchises on this site, Gong cha is the 6th cheapest to open and the smallest by number of locations.
| Measure | Gong cha | Typical food |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $207K | $552K |
| Royalty | 6% | 5.5% |
| Closed or left per year | 0% | 2.5% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 73 of 86 |
Typical is the median across the 86 brands in food franchises.
Other food franchises
Gong cha franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Gong cha?
150 to 300 days after signing, according to Gong cha's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Gong cha help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Gong cha may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Gong cha franchisees get a protected territory?
Yes. Gong cha assigns a protected territory where it won't open or license another location while you meet the agreement's terms.
How long is a Gong cha franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Gong cha growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 36 franchised locations opened and 0 closed or left, +36 overall. About 0% of locations closed or left each year. That is below the 2.5% typical for food franchises.
How does Gong cha compare with other food franchises?
Of the 86 food franchises here, Gong cha is the 6th cheapest to open (low end $207K against a $552K median) and the smallest by number of locations. Its 6% royalty is in line with the 5.5% median.
Does Gong cha say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it reports 2025 net sales for 222 U.S. stores open the full year, including master franchise stores. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Gong cha based?
Gong cha USA Franchising, LLC is based in Boston, Massachusetts; the first location opened in 2006.