Latest news with #FernandoOchoa
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bubble tea brand Gong cha announces expansion into Arizona
Taiwanese bubble tea brand Gong cha has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with franchisee group Blu Tea Arizona to bring its offerings to the Arizona market, marking its entry to the US state. The new stores will be located in Tempe, Mesa and Chandler, contributing to Gong cha's footprint in the western US. This expansion is part of the brand's strategic plan for 500 US locations by 2028. Blu Tea Arizona is operated by a group that has previously developed Gong cha outlets in other regions. This agreement represents their third territory expansion with the brand. The introduction of Gong cha to Arizona aligns with the state's warm climate, increasing bubble tea awareness and a demographic that aligns with the brand's target audience. More than 22% of Arizona's population is aged between 15 and 29, Gong cha's core customer base, enabling market entry and sustained growth. Blu Tea Arizona president Fernando Ochoa stated: 'When we first explored diversifying our franchise portfolio with a beverage concept, we were looking for a category leader with strong demand, with a premium product, and a scaleable model.' 'Based upon this, we chose to partner with Gong cha. Our success in other markets has affirmed our confidence in the brand, and we see a strong opportunity to continue to scale into Arizona with a multi-unit deal. We plan to grow quickly with multiple stores across the Phoenix region.' In May 2025, Gong cha announced the appointment of Michael Nedelkovich Jr to lead growth in high-traffic, non-traditional venues. "Bubble tea brand Gong cha announces expansion into Arizona" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Gong cha Enters Arizona With New Multi-unit Deal, Marking First Stores in the State
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gong cha, the world's leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations in 29 international markets, and more than 240 stores in the U.S. across 21 states and Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, is entering the Arizona market for the first time through a multi-unit franchise agreement with Blu Tea Arizona. The agreement will bring new stores to Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler, expanding Gong cha's growing presence across the Western U.S. as part of its strategy to reach 500+ U.S. locations over the next 3 years. 'When we first explored diversifying our franchise portfolio with a beverage concept, we were looking for a category leader with strong demand, a best-in-class product, and a scalable model,' said Fernando Ochoa, President of Blu Tea Arizona. Blu Tea Arizona is operated by an experienced franchisee group that has successfully developed Gong cha locations in other markets. This marks their third territory expansion with the brand, a move that reflects both strong unit performance and the ease of scaling the Gong cha model. With a flexible store format, low startup costs, and a highly engaged fan base, Gong cha continues to attract multi-unit operators looking to grow within the premium beverage category. ' When we first explored diversifying our franchise portfolio with a beverage concept, we were looking for a category leader with strong demand, with a premium product, and a scalable model, ' said Fernando Ochoa, President of Blu Tea Arizona. ' Based upon this, we chose to partner with Gong cha. Our success in other markets has affirmed our confidence in the brand, and we see a strong opportunity to continue to scale into Arizona with a multi-unit deal. We plan to grow quickly with multiple stores across the Phoenix region. ' With year-round warm weather, strong segment awareness around bubble tea, limited direct competition, and a high density of residents within the brand's target demographic, Arizona is an ideal market for Gong cha's continued U.S. growth. More than 22% of the state's population falls between ages 15 and 29—Gong cha's core audience—creating strong conditions for long-term success in the market. The Phoenix expansion is part of Gong cha's broader roadmap to reach 500 U.S. locations by 2028. ABOUT GONG CHA Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is a global bubble tea brand known for its premium product, simple and scalable operational model, and strong corporate support. Today, it has nearly 2,200 locations across 29 international markets and is one of the fastest-growing bubble tea brands in the U.S. and abroad. The brand #1 in the Tea category in Entrepreneur magazine's prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fourth consecutive year (2022, 2024, 2024, 2025). Learn more about Gong cha and its franchise program at
CBS News
27-05-2025
- CBS News
Family demands justice after woman, 84, was hit, killed in wreck on Chicago's Southwest Side
Family united in pain and purpose after woman, 84, is hit and killed on Southwest Side Family united in pain and purpose after woman, 84, is hit and killed on Southwest Side Family united in pain and purpose after woman, 84, is hit and killed on Southwest Side Loved ones on Monday pleaded for better safety measures after a woman was struck and killed by a car while walking in her neighborhood on Chicago's Southwest Side. Maria Ochoa Flores, 84, was run over when two cars collided in a Garfield Ridge neighborhood intersection this past Saturday. Ochoa's family said two days afterward and with so many questions lingering, it was still hard to talk about what happened. But they want answers and solutions, and they said as much Monday evening. Ochoa's family marched for justice, following in her footsteps on a route she walked every day for exercise. They wants answers and solutions. "She was a great woman — always made sure our family was safe, always asking about her grandkids — my kids," said Maria Ochoa's son, Fernando Ochoa. "We actually live a block apart." The family is united in their pain, and their purpose, calling for more safety measures like speed bumps and cameras — and a review of videos that may have caught the crash that killed their matriarch. "They're both saying they both had the green light," Fernando Ochoa said of the two drivers involved in the crash on Archer Avenue on Saturday. "How is that possible?" In an accident report, police said the two drivers were coming from different directions. A silver vehicle was headed northeast on Archer Avenue and tried to make a left turn onto northbound Laramie Avenue, only to be struck by a gray sedan headed southwest and also trying to turn north onto Laramie Avenue. The force of the crash sent the silver car careening into Ochoa. Police arrived as two doctors tried to save her on the street, but she would die from her injuries at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. "Never harmed to no one," said Fernando Ochoa. "Just taking a normal daily walk that she did every single day to keep her body and exercise moving." Now, Maria Ochoa's family wants to make sure they help save other lives at an intersection streaked with the skid marks left behind by street takeovers — signs of recklessness that will likely outlast the flowers left for Maria. "You're here in the middle of the night, late at night — because my bedroom is right there," said Fernando Ochoa. "You can hear the screeching, the peeling, of people racing each other out there. The 26-year-old man driving the silver car, the 63-year-old man driving the gray car, and their respective passengers were not injured, police said. The driver of the silver car was cited. Wentworth Area detectives are investigating.
