Gong cha eyes ‘untapped’ Central America market

The brand recently signed two new master franchisees.

Taiwanese bubble tea brand Gong cha has signed two new master franchisees to open outlets across the Great Pacific Northwest and Central America.

The two deals are projected to grow Gong cha’s presence in the Americas by more than 100 outlets.

The master franchise rights for the Great Pacific Northwest were awarded to Ajay Keshap, who owns 24 Denny’s restaurants, 15 Papa Johns, and area development rights to Dave’s Hot Chicken in Washington. Meanwhile, the master franchise partner for Central America is husband and wife team Justin Willingham and Monica Fonseca, who will be opening the first Gong cha locations in Honduras before expanding to Costa Rica El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Since 2014, Gong cha Americas has grown at a rapid pace, opening more than 400 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The brand has opened more than 225 outlets across 19 states and Washington D.C., and has already franchised 65% of available territory in the U.S. By 2026, Gong cha is projected to reach 1000 outlets across the Americas.