Bubble tea continues its march into mainstream American dining. Global bubble tea franchise concept Gong cha has signed a 50-unit exclusive area development agreement in Texas with seasoned multi-unit operator Bakers Acres & Cattle Company — the largest direct deal in the franchise brand’s history. The franchise agreement extends a network that already spans more than 240 locations across 23 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Ranked first in the Tea category on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Gong cha has been systematically building its US presence over the past several years. Texas, which consistently ranks among the most active states for franchise development activity, represents one of the franchise brand’s most significant single-market commitments to date. The July 27 announcement describes the deal as a milestone in Gong cha’s Americas growth strategy.
A Record-Breaking Development Agreement for the Americas
The 50-unit area development agreement with Bakers Acres & Cattle Company (BACC) grants the operator exclusive rights to develop Gong cha locations across Texas. Gong cha describes it as the largest direct franchising deal in its history. BACC brings existing multi-unit experience to the partnership, a profile that aligns with Gong cha’s stated preference for operators with the infrastructure to scale efficiently.
A Modernized Platform Designed to Support Multi-Unit Growth
Gong cha has been deploying its Gong cha 2.0 platform across its network, an operational upgrade that incorporates digital ordering, workflow automation, and updated store design intended to increase throughput. The brand frames this infrastructure as a tool for helping franchisees manage volume and complexity as they scale across multiple locations. Gong cha’s flexible footprint model, which supports inline, end-cap, and freestanding configurations, is also cited by the company as a differentiator for site selection in high-growth markets.
Texas as a Strategic Launchpad for Continued US Expansion
Texas has drawn sustained interest from franchisors across sectors, driven by population growth, a business-friendly regulatory environment, and strong food-and-beverage consumer spending. For Gong cha, anchoring a 50-unit commitment in the state signals a long-term geographic priority. The brand’s existing footprint covers 23 states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, placing it among the more broadly distributed international bubble tea brands in the US market. Specific development timelines, sub-markets within Texas, and projected opening schedules were not disclosed in the announcement.
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