Gong cha operates more than 2,100 stores across 24 markets | Photo credit: Gong cha

Bubble tea chain Gong cha has appointed PR, social media and marketing agency McKenna Townsend to promote franchise opportunities in the UK and Ireland. 
 

Gong cha currently operates 14 stores across the two markets and has a long-term goal of reaching 500 stores. 
 

The partnership will see McKenna Townsend create an integrated programme of PR, social media, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships to raise awareness of Gong Cha’s multi-unit franchise strategy.   
 

“In the UK, we believe we are at the start of the next phase of the industry’s growth journey and want to work with franchisees who are similarly ambitious and optimistic about the opportunity that bubble tea presents. This will enable us to scale up quickly, while driving operational efficiencies and ensuring product quality,” Justin Goes, Gong cha’s Development Director UK & Ireland, told World Coffee Portal in December 2023. 

“We have extensive experience in the franchise and food and beverage sectors, having worked with international brands such as Subway for more than 20 years, so we are perfectly placed to drive forward growth for this dynamic brand,” said Sarah Townsend, Co-Founder and Managing Director of McKenna Townsend. 

Gong cha operates more than 2,100 stores across 24 markets and has ambitious plans to reach 10,000 stores globally by 2032. Alongside outlet expansion plans in the UK & Ireland, the bubble tea chain recently signed master franchise agreement to open stores in four Central American countries and has partnered with Dunkin’ franchisee Shahia Foods to open hundreds of stores across the Middle East.