Gong cha signs franchise agreement to enter ‘untapped’ Central American markets

Customers at a Gong cha store in Boston, US | Photo credit: Gong cha

Gong cha has signed a new master franchise agreement to open stores in four Central American countries. 
 

The bubble tea chain said new franchisees, Justin Willingham and Monica Fonseca, will open the first Gong cha store in Honduras early next year before expanding into Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala.  

The partnership is expected to deliver 50 outlets across the four markets over the next 10 years. 

Gong cha has also signed a master franchise agreement with multi-brand franchise owner Ajay Keshap to expand the brand across the Great Pacific Northwest, which includes the US states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, as well as the Canadian province of British Columbia. The deal is expected to result in 50 new Gong cha stores. 

Keshap currently operates 24 licensed Denny’s outlets and 15 Papa John’s pizza restaurants.  

“We’re proud to be partnering with Ajay, Justin and Monica to bring Gong cha to new markets across the Pacific Northwest and Central America. With their experience and leadership in the franchise space, we know they will find great success introducing Gong cha’s premium product to brand new audiences,” said Geoff Henry, President of the Americas, Gong cha. 

Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha has grown to more than 2,100 stores across 23 countries. The bubble tea chain currently has more than 400 outlets across the US, Canada and Mexico and plans to reach 1,000 stores across the Americas by 2026. 

Alongside offering further franchise rights across the US, Gong cha is also seeking master franchisees to facilitate its entry into key growth markets in South America.