Milktea chain Gong Cha has finalised its multi-unit franchise agreements in the North American market, as part of its ongoing expansion plan in the US.

The agreements completed in previously untapped locations, including Wisconsin, Maine, and Tennessee, mark the brand’s first entry into the region, bringing it closer to achieving its goal of surpassing 500 US locations by 2028.

“These new markets represent the strength and scalability of the Gong Cha model,” said Mark Treptow, VP of Gong Cha Americas’ franchise sales and development.

“These new markets represent the strength and scalability of the Gong Cha model, and we’re entering untapped regions with experienced, multi-unit operators who believe in the product and the opportunity,” said Treptow

Gong Cha Wincosin is a five-unit franchise agreement to KGN Tea Co, led by Shehzad Ghaffar and Faiq Syed, who own multi-unit franchisees of Midas.

“After seeing how much our kids love bubble tea, we started researching the market and learned that tea ranks as the second-most consumed beverage worldwide – and that Gong Cha was the category leader with strong US and global recognition,” said Ghaffar.

In Maine, Gong Cha has signed a multi-unit deal with Vacationland Tea Ci, owned and operated by Tafari and Nhi Thomas, while the brand has made its first debut in Tennessee, operated by franchise group Siphony.

The chain is currently seeking franchise partners in markets across North America, including Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and the Southeastern US.

Earlier, Gong Cha made its Arizona debut and welcomed Stray Kids’ Felix as its global brand ambassador.