Market briefs
Texas: Gong Cha Bubble Tea Expands
In Houston, Gong cha, a global bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 stores, is set to expand in Texas after partnering with a Houston-based franchise operator.
Gong cha, which has grown to more than 240 locations nationwide since 2014, signed a 50-unit exclusive area development agreement in Texas with Houston-based Bakers Acres & Cattle Co. The agreement, Gong cha’s largest direct franchising deal yet, follows Gong cha’s recent purchase of master franchise rights to 170 U.S. locations across 13 states, including Texas.
“As Gong cha continues expanding across the U.S., we’re seeing strong interest from multi-unit operators looking to grow with the global leader,” Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas, said when the deal was released.
Bakers Acres & Cattle Co. will further develop Gong cha’s presence across Texas in the Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas markets over the seven years. Led by Brett and Wendi Walker, Bakers Acres & Cattle Co. entered franchising in 2015 with Nothing Bundt Cakes and plans to grow that brand to 12 bakeries across Greater Houston.
“With its premium positioning, operational sophistication, and strong consumer loyalty, Gong cha immediately stood out as the right brand to grow with across Texas,” said Brett Walker. “Over the past decade, our family has built a highly disciplined multi-unit operating platform, and we know sustainable growth starts with the right systems, infrastructure and brand foundation. Gong cha brings all of that together in a category with tremendous long-term potential.”
The market for bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is projected to reach $3.03 billion in global sales in 2026, up from $2.83 billion in 2025, as stated by Fortune Business Insights. The sweet tea and milk drink with tapioca pearls comes in a variety of flavors. Some of the larger chains include Gong cha, Kung Fu Tea, Sharetea, and The Teahouse.
Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha launched direct franchising efforts in the U.S. about two years ago. Since then, the company has completed strategic multi-unit development agreements in Texas, California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. Gong cha aims to have more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028.
