Gong cha Acquires Master Franchise Rights to 170 U.S. Stores

March 09, 2026 // Franchising.com // Boston, MA — Gong cha has acquired the rights to 170 U.S. locations from a master franchisee, bringing the territory in-house as part of its strategy to accelerate development and strengthen long-term growth across the United States.

The acquisition spans 13 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Modernizing Operations to Drive Franchise Performance

Over the past three years, Gong cha has made significant investments in its operational infrastructure across the Americas, building internal teams and systems designed to simplify the business model for franchise partners and allow them to focus on delivering a high-quality guest experience.

The brand recently introduced Gong cha 2.0, a comprehensive refresh of its digital systems, operations and store design aimed at improving profitability, efficiency and scalability for franchisees while elevating the in-store experience for guests. Central to the initiative is the Super Wu system, named after Gong cha founder Wu Zhenhua, which streamlines drink preparation while enabling greater customization and personalization.

Gong cha franchisees benefit from a future-forward operating model designed for higher volume, streamlined staffing and long-term profitability, supported by strong corporate infrastructure and brand recognition.

SOURCE Gong cha

###