Gong cha Continues Expansion Across the Americas with Strong Performance in Puerto Rico, and New Market Entries in Ecuador and Colombia

The world’s leading bubble tea brand celebrates rapid regional growth and format innovation

Gong cha, the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations in 32 international markets and over 240 stores in the U.S. across 23 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, is continuing to accelerate its growth throughout the Americas. With six stores now open in Puerto Rico—including the brand’s first-ever drive-thru location in the Caribbean—and the first stores launching in Ecuador and Colombia, Gong cha is solidifying its position as one of the region’s fastest-growing beverage brands.

Innovation and Expansion in Puerto Rico

Since signing a 30 store development deal in 2024, Gong cha Puerto Rico—operated by SID Tea LLC, one of the island’s most experienced multi-brand QSR franchisors—has rapidly expanded to six locations, with three more planned over the next 12 months. Sales have grown 150% YOY, and the company has created approximately 75 local jobs, and invested $1.8 million into the local economy through the opening of their stores since inception.

A highlight of the brand’s local innovation has been the introduction of a more expansive food offering, including ramen, mochi dogs, and mochi donuts. The addition of these items has driven ticket averages approximately 40% higher than traditional stores. In addition, SID Tea recently opened their first drive-thru locations. Drive thru transactions account for almost 50% of the store’s sales, underscoring the consumer appetite for both convenience and elevated quick-service experiences.

“As Gong cha continues to grow across the Americas, we’re broadening how and when guests can experience our brand,” said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. “Expanding our food offerings and introducing new channels like drive-thru are part of a larger strategy to meet guests where they are—whether that’s on their morning commute or during an afternoon break. We’re seeing growing demand for formats that deliver quality, speed, and variety, and those elements are shaping the next chapter of Gong cha’s evolution globally.”

New Openings in Ecuador and Colombia

Gong cha’s first store openings in Ecuador and Colombia mark the latest milestones in the brand’s regional expansion strategy. In Ecuador, the inaugural location opened in October 2025 at Paseo San Francisco in Cumbayá, Quito, in partnership with Mapogo Adventure. The team is planning to open 4 stores by the end of 2026.

In Colombia, the brand has launched a partnership with Té Colombia S.A.S, led by Mateo and Felipe Lisocki, experienced entrepreneurs who operate a portfolio of more than 35 Subway restaurants across the country. They are tracking for 3 stores by early 2026, with 16 total locations in the development pipeline.

“We are thrilled to see Gong cha’s footprint continue to grow across Latin America,” said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. “Our franchise partners in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and Colombia bring exceptional local expertise and operational excellence to the brand. Together, they’re helping us bring high-quality, handcrafted bubble tea to their respective regions.”

In aggregate, Gong cha projects having over 126 locations open in Latin America by 2026, with hundreds more in its pipeline.

For more information on franchising with Gong cha, visit https://gongchausofficial.com.

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 32 international markets. Since 2014 Gong cha has opened more than 240 stores in the U.S. across 23 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 #134 on Franchise Times’ Top 400 List of the largest U.S. based franchise systems by global systemwide sales (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021); ranked #9 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers List honoring brands leading the industry (2025); awarded category winner of Top Food & Beverage Franchises in the Global Franchise Awards (2025); and named one of QSR Magazine’s 17 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2023. For more, please visit gongchausofficial.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251202146970/en/

“Our franchise partners in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and Colombia bring exceptional local expertise and operational excellence to the brand," said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas.