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2 clusters · 7 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Gong Cha Texas expansion

Overview

In late July 2026, bubble‑tea chain Gong Cha confirmed a major franchising partnership with Houston‑based Bakers Acres & Cattle Company. The 50‑unit exclusive development agreement will roll out new stores across Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas over seven years, marking the chain’s largest direct franchising deal.

The deal follows Gong Cha’s recent acquisition of master franchise rights for 170 U.S. locations and supports its broader ambition to operate more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028. Executives highlighted the brand’s operational simplicity, premium positioning and strong consumer loyalty as key drivers of interest from multi‑unit operators.

Together, the announcements underscore Gong Cha’s focused growth strategy in Texas, a high‑potential U.S. market, as it seeks to expand its footprint from the current roughly 240 U.S. locations toward its long‑term expansion targets.

Entities

Gong Cha · Geoff Henry · Brett Walker · Bakers Acres & Cattle Company · Bakers Acres & Cattle Co.

Timeline

  1. 13 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Gong Cha signs 50‑unit franchise deal to expand across Texas

    Gong Cha inked a 50‑store franchise deal with Bakers Acres to open locations in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas over seven years, its largest U.S. expansion to date.

  2. 16 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Gong Cha signs 50‑unit franchise agreement to expand in Texas

    Gong Cha signed a 50‑unit franchise deal with Bakers Acres & Cattle Company to open locations in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas over seven years, its biggest U.S. direct franchising agreement.

Sources

gcrmag.com · nrn.com · realtynewsreport.com · retailrestaurantfb.com · sacurrent.com · verdictfoodservice.com · whatnowsf.com