Taiwan bubble tea brand Gong Cha has secured two new master franchisees for the Great Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho) and Central America.
The two deals will increase the brand’s presence in the Americas by more than 100 outlets.
Ajay Keshap is Gong Cha’s master franchisee in the Great Pacific Northwest and for the last 25 years, he has owned a multi-brand US franchise group, which includes 24 Denny’s restaurants. He is also the owner of 15 Papa John’s pizza restaurants and development rights to Dave’s Hot Chicken in Washington.
In addition, Gong Cha will expand in Central America with married couple Justin Willingham and Monica Fonseca. They will begin by opening the first Gong Cha venues in Honduras, followed by Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
Willingham and Fonseca plan to establish one or two shops in early 2024, and to open 50 stores across their territory over the next ten years.
“With their experience and leadership in the franchise space, we know they will find great success introducing Gong Cha’s premium product to a brand new audience,” said Geoff Henry, Gong Cha’s president of the Americas.
Gong Cha Americas has more than 400 locations in the US, Canada and Mexico, including more than 225 locations across 19 US states and Washington DC.
The company is also seeking master franchisee candidates in key growth markets in South America, as part of its plan to reach 1000 stores in the Americas by 2026.
Further reading: Malaysian bubble tea chain Tealive launches first store in Canada
