Latest news with #Gongcha
Yahoo
12 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
2 days 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
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Gong Cha Appoints Michael Nedelkovich Jr. Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gong cha, the world's premier bubble tea brand with more than 240 locations across 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development. A seasoned franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich's expertise spans franchising, site selection, and strategic partnerships—expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long-term value creation. "Non-traditional, high-volume, experience-driven venues such as airports, colleges, and amusement parks offer scalable, multi-unit growth potential in places where consumer demand for innovative beverage options like Gong cha continues to rise." In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha's non-traditional development strategy in the U.S. His work will focus on scaling the brand through multi-unit partnerships in high-volume, experience-driven venues such as airports, colleges and universities, casinos, amusement destinations, and big box retail—all key touchpoints for Gong cha's core customer base of Gen Z and millennials. Says Nedelkovich, 'These venues not only provide high visibility, but also allow us to tap into daily routines and impulse-driven purchase behaviors. Strategically, they offer scalable, multi-unit growth potential in environments where consumer demand for innovative beverage options continues to rise.' Nedelkovich's priorities include refining the brand's flexible design packages, accelerating speed to market, and enhancing operational adaptability to meet the demands of fast-moving, high-foot-traffic locations. He will also focus on optimizing existing partner relationships, while building new strategic alliances across foodservice, travel, and institutional sectors. 'Michael brings a rare 360-degree perspective, having served as a landlord, tenant, and brand operator,' said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. 'His leadership and deep relationships in the non-traditional space will be instrumental as we expand our footprint into new formats and reach new customers across the U.S. and beyond.' In his previous role as Director of Non-Traditional Franchise Development at Go To Foods (formerly Focus Brands), Nedelkovich secured more than 120 site-specific locations across seven major national brands including Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, Jamba, Carvel, Schlotzsky's, McAlister's, and Moe's, earning him multiple consecutive President's Club awards for sales achievement. His work included spearheading expansions into over a dozen casinos and several of the country's largest stadiums, as well as key partnerships across a range of non-traditional channels such as colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, amusement parks, zoos, and travel centers. Nedelkovich also held leadership roles at Areas USA and Fraport USA, where he oversaw brand development and F&B concessions across major U.S. airports and toll roads, with a portfolio that included a wide range of national chains and chef-driven concepts—from Starbucks, Dunkin', and Burger King, to Wolfgang Puck & Chef Jose Andres. He began his career supporting non-traditional development initiatives for American Express, gaining early experience in high-traffic consumer environments. For more information about Gong cha and franchise opportunities, please visit ABOUT GONG CHA Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is the world's premier bubble tea brand. Its commitment to quality starts with its name: 'Gong cha' means to offer the best tea to the emperor from all of one's possessions. From the most seasoned bubble tea connoisseur to a first-timer, Gong cha offers its customers the ability to customize their beverage to their exact specifications and never sacrifices flavor or technique. With its premium product, simple and scalable operational model, and strong corporate support, Gong cha is one of the fastest-growing bubble tea brands in the U.S and internationally, with nearly 2,200 locations in 29 international markets. Since 2014 Gong cha has opened more than 240 stores in the U.S. across 21 states and Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico and is on track to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028. Gong cha was ranked #1 in the Tea category in Entrepreneur magazine's prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fourth consecutive year (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022); ranked #140 on Franchise Times' Top 400 List of the largest U.S. based franchise systems by global systemwide sales (2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021); ranked #5 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers List honoring brands leading the industry (2024); awarded category winner of Top Food & Beverage Franchises in the Global Franchise Awards (2023); and named one of QSR Magazine's 17 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2023. For more, please visit
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gong Cha Appoints Michael Nedelkovich Jr. Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development
Industry veteran to lead the brand's growth across high-traffic, non-traditional venues as Gong cha continues nationwide expansion BOSTON, May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gong cha, the world's premier bubble tea brand with more than 240 locations across 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development. A seasoned franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich's expertise spans franchising, site selection, and strategic partnerships—expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long-term value creation. In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha's non-traditional development strategy in the U.S. His work will focus on scaling the brand through multi-unit partnerships in high-volume, experience-driven venues such as airports, colleges and universities, casinos, amusement destinations, and big box retail—all key touchpoints for Gong cha's core customer base of Gen Z and millennials. Says Nedelkovich, "These venues not only provide high visibility, but also allow us to tap into daily routines and impulse-driven purchase behaviors. Strategically, they offer scalable, multi-unit growth potential in environments where consumer demand for innovative beverage options continues to rise." Nedelkovich's priorities include refining the brand's flexible design packages, accelerating speed to market, and enhancing operational adaptability to meet the demands of fast-moving, high-foot-traffic locations. He will also focus on optimizing existing partner relationships, while building new strategic alliances across foodservice, travel, and institutional sectors. "Michael brings a rare 360-degree perspective, having served as a landlord, tenant, and brand operator," said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. "His leadership and deep relationships in the non-traditional space will be instrumental as we expand our footprint into new formats and reach new customers across the U.S. and beyond." In his previous role as Director of Non-Traditional Franchise Development at Go To Foods (formerly Focus Brands), Nedelkovich secured more than 120 site-specific locations across seven major national brands including Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, Jamba, Carvel, Schlotzsky's, McAlister's, and Moe's, earning him multiple consecutive President's Club awards for sales achievement. His work included spearheading expansions into over a dozen casinos and several of the country's largest stadiums, as well as key partnerships across a range of non-traditional channels such as colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, amusement parks, zoos, and travel centers. Nedelkovich also held leadership roles at Areas USA and Fraport USA, where he oversaw brand development and F&B concessions across major U.S. airports and toll roads, with a portfolio that included a wide range of national chains and chef-driven concepts—from Starbucks, Dunkin', and Burger King, to Wolfgang Puck & Chef Jose Andres. He began his career supporting non-traditional development initiatives for American Express, gaining early experience in high-traffic consumer environments. For more information about Gong cha and franchise opportunities, please visit ABOUT GONG CHA Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is the world's premier bubble tea brand. Its commitment to quality starts with its name: "Gong cha" means to offer the best tea to the emperor from all of one's possessions. From the most seasoned bubble tea connoisseur to a first-timer, Gong cha offers its customers the ability to customize their beverage to their exact specifications and never sacrifices flavor or technique. With its premium product, simple and scalable operational model, and strong corporate support, Gong cha is one of the fastest-growing bubble tea brands in the U.S and internationally, with nearly 2,200 locations in 29 international markets. Since 2014 Gong cha has opened more than 240 stores in the U.S. across 21 states and Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico and is on track to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028. Gong cha was ranked #1 in the Tea category in Entrepreneur magazine's prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fourth consecutive year (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022); ranked #140 on Franchise Times' Top 400 List of the largest U.S. based franchise systems by global systemwide sales (2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021); ranked #5 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers List honoring brands leading the industry (2024); awarded category winner of Top Food & Beverage Franchises in the Global Franchise Awards (2023); and named one of QSR Magazine's 17 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2023. For more, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Ashley Martinez, Carbonateashley@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
