Gong cha operates nearly 200 US stores and is targeting more than 500 outlets across the country by 2025 | Photo credit: Gong cha

Gong cha has appointed four new franchise experts to its Americas division to help the brand meet its growth targets across the US, Canada, Mexico and Latin America. 
 

The Taiwanese bubble tea chain currently operates nearly 200 stores across the US and is forecast to exceed 500 outlets in the country by 2025. The company is projected to achieve 40% year-on-year US store growth across the next 12 months. 

The company also operates more than 30 stores in Canada and 13 in Mexico. 

Gong cha said the appointments will lead new market expansion, provide additional franchisee support and streamline Gong cha’s marketing programme. 

Missy Maio, a former Senior Director of Marketing at Dunkin’ franchisee Askar Brands, has been appointed Director of Brand and Consumer Marketing, responsible for launching Gong cha’s National Marketing Fund. 

Additionally, former Krispy Kreme Supply Chain Director Russ Kratzer will help Gong cha meet its cost goals and supply chain efficiency as Senior Director of Supply Chain. 

To help develop franchisee performance in the Americas, Gong cha has also appointed Rebecca Khan and Marisol Gil to lead the franchise operations of its US and Latin America divisions.  

Khan previously worked as a Franchise Business Partner for US fast-food chain Burger King, while Gil previously served as Head of Marketing for Subway in Mexico. 

“Gong cha is thrilled to welcome this group of exceptionally talented professionals. These new additions to our team will help us continue to capitalise on the ‘bubble tea boom,’ grow the Gong cha brand across key strategic territories and take the organisation to new heights,” said Paul Reynish, Global CEO, Gong cha. 

Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha currently operates more than 1,900 outlets across 22 countries globally. The company made its Portuguese debut in January 2023, its third European market.