Gong cha, the tea drink franchise, has recently entered into agreements with two new master franchisees, granting them territorial rights for the Great Pacific Northwest and Central America.

The bubble tea brand, with a presence in over 2,100 locations across 23 countries, is set to broaden its footprint in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho through the Great Pacific Northwest franchise agreement with Ajay Keshap.

For 25 years, Keshap has been the proprietor of a diversified franchise group in the United States. Within the group’s portfolio are 24 Denny’s restaurants and 15 Papa John’s pizza establishments.

The group possesses area development rights for Dave’s Hot Chicken in the state of Washington.

In Central America, Gong cha has entered into an agreement with the husband and wife duo, Justin Willingham and Monica Fonseca.

Willingham and Fonseca will start by opening the first Gong cha location in Honduras, then proceed to expand the brand to Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Their goal is to launch one or two locations in early 2024, aiming to reach a total of 50 stores across their territory by 2033.

Collectively, these two agreements will enhance the presence of the bubble tea brand in the Americas by over 100 stores.

Gong Cha Americas president Geoff Henry expressed, “We’re pleased to collaborate with Ajay, Justin, and Monica to introduce Gong cha to new markets in the Pacific Northwest and Central America.”

“With their experience and leadership in the franchise space, we know they will find great success introducing Gong cha’s premium product to a brand new audience.”

Since 2014, Gong cha Americas has successfully launched over 400 establishments spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Having established over 225 stores across 19 states, the brand is projected to achieve its 1,000th milestone in the Americas by 2026.