Global bubble tea brand Gong Cha has opened its first concept store in Thailand through a partnership with local master franchisee Perfect Step, a subsidiary of Thai Outdoor Group. 

The store, located on the third floor of CentralWorld’s Beacon Zone, kicks off an ambitious expansion, with plans to open up to 100 stores across Thailand. 

Each location will feature the brand’s Gong Cha 2.0 design, “blending technology to enhance service speed and adaptability while staying true to authentic whole-leaf teas”.

“Our agreement in Thailand builds on Gong Cha’s ambitious global expansion, following the recent entry into Colombia, as we aim to reach 10,000 global locations over the next decade,” Gong Cha said in a statement. 

Beyond Thailand, Gong Cha will open its first Caribbean location at Atlantis Paradise Island and recently made its Colombian debut through a master franchise agreement with Bogota-based Te Colombia SAS.

In the US, Gong Cha is accelerating its expansion through multi-unit franchise agreements in Milwaukee, Portland, and Nashville, aiming to surpass 500 locations nationwide by 2028. The brand is actively seeking top-tier franchise partners in regions including Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and the Southeastern US. 

Last month, Gong Cha left the Singapore market after its franchise agreement with Gong Cha Singapore, which had operated the brand since 2017, ended. Gong Cha Global plans to return next year.

Gong Cha currently has 2200 locations in 30 international markets.