This bubble tea franchise was founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and began franchising overseas in 2009 when a location opened in Hong Kong. It has since spread to more than 15 countries.
Gong Cha is known for its Green Milk Tea, which features two layers; one of brewed green tea and an upper layer of specialized creamer. Some locations also serve food.
Australian venture capitalist Martin Berry acquired the master franchise rights in 2012. Berry later partnered with Japanese private equity firm Unison Capital to buy the brand and grow it to more than 1,000 locations before selling Gong Cha in 2019 to Boston-based TA Associates. The PE firm, also with offices in London and Hong Kong, is renewing its franchise push in the Americas and Europe, including the United States.