Gong Cha is a global bubble tea franchise that was founded in Taiwan in 2006 by Royce Hong and his business partners. The name “Gong Cha” in Chinese means “tribute tea for the emperor”, which reflects the high quality of tea that Gong Cha strives to offer its customers.
In its early years, Gong Cha expanded rapidly throughout Taiwan and then across Asia, with locations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond. Its success was due in part to its commitment to using only premium ingredients and to its innovative approach to tea-making, which included brewing each cup to order.
In 2009, Gong Cha began to expand outside of Asia, with its first international location opening in California. The brand continued to grow and now has over 1,500 locations in more than 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Gong Cha’s menu is known for its wide variety of tea-based drinks, including classic milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty drinks like its popular “dirty” milk tea (which features a shot of espresso). Customers can also customize their drinks by choosing the sweetness level, ice level, and toppings like boba pearls, pudding, or jelly.
The franchise has also collaborated with a variety of brands to offer limited edition drinks and merchandise, including collaborations with Sanrio, Pokemon, and LINE Friends.
In 2017, Gong Cha was acquired by the Taiwan Fong Fu Investment Group. Under the new ownership, the brand underwent a major rebranding effort, with a new logo and updated store design. The company also introduced new drinks to its menu, such as cheese-topped teas and fruit-infused teas.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gong Cha continued to grow in 2020, opening new locations in several countries and introducing new products like its DIY bubble tea kit.
Overall, Gong Cha’s success can be attributed to its commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative tea-making techniques, as well as its willingness to adapt to changing trends and customer preferences. As the bubble tea market continues to grow, it seems likely that Gong Cha will continue to be a major player in the industry for years to come.
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