If you are interested in purchasing a bubble tea franchise but don’t know which one is best for you, we have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll share the best boba tea franchise opportunities in the United States that are looking for business partners.
Bubble tea franchises have been growing in popularity lately, with consumers seeking this refreshing, unique, and flavorful drink as a treat.
Bubble tea, AKA boba or pearl milk tea, is a Taiwanese tea-based drink that has become increasingly popular in the U.S. over the last few years.
Made with tea milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca balls, it comes in a broad range of flavors and serves as a fun and delicious alternative to traditional coffee or tea.
As for the revenue, it is estimated that the global bubble tea market was worth approximately $2.8 billion in 2020, and it is expected to grow significantly in the future.
However, the competition in this industry is so fierce, and it’s important to carefully research the specific franchise you are interested in as well as the local market conditions before investing.
Here are the ten best bubble tea franchise opportunities in the United States that will help aspiring entrepreneurs get started with their bubble tea shops.
All these franchises allow entrepreneurs the freedom to build their location while leveraging their business model and brand name.
Interested In A Bubble Tea Franchise?
10 Best Bubble Tea Franchise Opportunities
1. Sharetea Franchise
| Founded | 1992 |
| Franchising Since | 1992 |
| Estimated Outlets | 500+ |
| Initial Investment | $260,000-$360,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $22,400 |
| Liquidity | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% |
Sharetea is a global bubble tea chain with over 7,200 locations worldwide.
Founded in 1992 in Taipei, Taiwan, the shop specializes in unique combinations of boba tea as well as other drinks like coffee and smoothies for people with different pallets.
Sharetea is committed to making the tea-drinking experience more enjoyable for everyone, which is why they are looking for energetic individuals with high operational standards.
Sharetea has a strong reputation for quality and a proven track record of success, making it a popular choice for those looking to start a bubble tea franchise.
As a franchisee, you will receive comprehensive support and training to its franchisees, including site selection, store design, marketing, and ongoing operational support.
Read In Detailed Sharetea Franchise
2. Jazen Tea Franchise
| Founded | 2012 |
| Franchising Since | 2013 |
| Estimated Outlets | 18 |
| Initial Investment | $163,300-$295,500 |
| Franchise Fees | $22,400 |
| Liquidity | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 4% |
Jazen Tea is a café that offers fruit and boba teas, slushies, and smoothies made with the best quality fruits and ingredients that are bound to uplift your mood and energy.
Founded in 2012, their proven business model has helped them thrive in this rapidly expanding boba tea industry and make a difference with their best-tasting, all-natural fruit teas.
The café operates around 18 locations in the United States and looking to expand more all over the county.
The franchisor is looking for fun-spirited individuals with a commitment to bringing their refreshing boba teas and fruit drinks to the community.
The franchisees will receive comprehensive training to make them good stewards of the brand as well as assistance with site selection and marketing.
3. 7 Leaves Cafe Franchise
| Founded | 2011 |
| Franchising Since | 2017 |
| Estimated Outlets | 20+ |
| Initial Investment | $200,000-$450,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $35,000 |
| Liquidity | $1 Million |
| Royalty Fees | 5% |
7 Leaves Cafes is a quick-service coffee and tea-based drink café known for its delicious variety of premium drinks, snacks, and beverages.
Founded in 2011, the café strives to enrich the tea-drinking experience through its high-quality coffees, teas, and goodness in every cup.
When you partner with Leaves Café, you will get an opportunity to work with a team of passionate individuals full of passion, integrity, and humility to make their brand successful.
Franchisees are promised unwavering support, including extensive general training, site selection support, ongoing operational support, and an archive of marketing materials that are adaptable to the needs of the bubble tea market.
4. Ding Tea Franchise
| Founded | 2004 |
| Franchising Since | 2004 |
| Estimated Outlets | 400+ |
| Initial Investment | $123,000-$422,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $20,000 |
| Liquidity | $10,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 2-5% |
Ding Tea is another well-known name in the boba tea industry that serves fresh a broad selection of specially made tea and beverages.
The shop was launched in 2004 and has grown to 400 franchise units operating globally.
Ding Tea stands apart from competitors due to its low-cost concept, intelligent marketing, and proven business model.
The franchisor is looking for qualified franchisees to join their team and take Ding Tea beverages to as many states of the U.S. as possible.
As a franchisee, you’ll get the necessary training and support and constant support to start and run a business effectively.
Read In Detailed Ding Tea Franchise
5. Bubbleology Franchise
| Founded | 2011 |
| Franchising Since | 2011 |
| Estimated Outlets | 70+ |
| Initial Investment | $163,250-$361,600 |
| Franchise Fees | $20,000-$32,500 |
| Liquidity | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% |
Bubbleology is a boba tea franchise that specializes in flavored fruit and milk bubble teas and waffles.
Established in 2004, Bubbleology uses a specially-designed shaking machine to make boba teas that take their teas to the next level, and the best part about them is that they continuously add new products to their menu.
Bubbleology allows franchisees to latch onto their established brand name and take advantage of their proven systems and processes.
Besides, you’ll receive initial training and all kinds of ongoing assistance to maximize your business potential and get a huge return on your Investment.
By being one of Bubbleology’s franchisees, you’ll give yourself the best opportunity to become a part of this growing market.
They are a vibrant lifestyle brand with partnerships with many big retailers and fashion brands.
6. Gong Cha Franchise
| Founded | 2006 |
| Franchising Since | 2015 |
| Estimated Outlets | 1341 |
| Initial Investment | $177,430-$335,400 |
| Franchise Fees | $41,500 |
| Liquidity | N/A |
| Royalty Fees | 5.5% |
Gong Cha is one of the most well-known bubble tea brands famous for its quality teas and customer-centered services.
Founded in 2006, Gong Cha has earned its reputation against many big names in the market with its wide-ranging menu and quality services and is expected to become one of the leading players in boba tea franchising.
With stores operational in several countries, including U.S., Canada, Singapore, Australia, and Korea, Gong Cha is looking for more franchisees to expand their services.
The franchisees are provided training and support from the entire team of Gong Cha tea masters.
Additionally, you’ll get assistance in site selection, store design, marketing, and ongoing operational support to set up a successful business.
Read In Detailed Gong Cha Franchise
7. Bee & Tea franchise
| Founded | 2014 |
| Franchising Since | 2014 |
| Estimated Outlets | 4 |
| Initial Investment | $147,500-$287,100 |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales weekly |
Bee & Tea is a newly found, innovative Asian fusion restaurant that offers handmade boba teas, fresh fruit yogurt smoothies, and a delicious variety of affordable gourmet foods served in a family-friendly environment.
Founded in 2014, Bee & Tea has grown tremendously due to its unique concept, chef-driven menu, and established business model, which makes it one of the best bubble tea franchise opportunities out there.
Despite being new in the game, Bee & Tea strives to make boba tea mainstream to everyone can experience it.
They offer franchising opportunities, including comprehensive training in restaurant operations, inventory control, marketing, and more.
They also offer assistance in site selection, lease negotiation, and advertising to help you effectively launch and build your business.
8. Bambu Desserts & Drinks Franchise
| Founded | 2009 |
| Franchising Since | 2014 |
| Estimated Outlets | 67 |
| Initial Investment | $144K – $298K |
| Franchise Fees | $39,000 |
| Liquidity | N/A |
| Royalty Fees | None |
Bambu Desserts& Drinks is an Asian-inspired café with a menu offering a wide variety of custom-made boba teas, Vietnamese coffees, and exotic fruit juices and smoothies.
All their beverages are gluten and dairy-free, making them suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Besides, they are known for their quick and customer-friendly service.
Bambu is looking for passionate franchisees in the United States who want to break into this rapidly growing market and control their financial destiny.
As for franchise support, you can use Bambu’s business model, brand name, unique recipes, and propriety rights.
Unlike other bubble tea franchises, Bambu allows franchisees to retain 100% of their sales afterward.
9. Happy Lemon Franchise
| Founded | 2006 |
| Franchising Since | 2018 |
| Estimated Outlets | 1,500+ |
| Initial Investment | $309,000-$509,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 7% |
Happy Lemon is one of the largest international beverage chains that offer a refreshing variety of fresh teas made from premium tea leaves grown in Asia.
Founded in 2006, Happy Lemon aims to modernize the tea culture and bring it all across the globe with its unique menu and handmade drinks.
They have more than 1000+ locations in North America, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, South East Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Happy Lemon is offering franchise opportunities for franchisees to expand in markets across the United States.
The franchisees will get initial and ongoing training, marketing, and advertising support to attract locals and generate steady customer traffic.
They offer a wide range of flexibility to their franchise partners.
Read In Detailed Happy Lemon Franchise
10. Kung Fu Tea Franchise
| Founded | 2010 |
| Franchising Since | 2010 |
| Estimated Outlets | 250+ |
| Initial Investment | $124,050-$428,050 |
| Franchise Fees | $37,000 |
| Liquidity | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 4% |
Kung Fu Tea is America’s largest bubble tea brand that serves the most delicious and made-to-order bubble teas while uncompromisingly maintaining high standards.
Established in 2010, the company’s mission is to reform the beverage industry with its innovative, made-to-order beverages.
With more than 250 stores, Kung Fu Tea has been expanding worldwide and welcoming franchisees to join them and take this delicious science of bubble tea across the United States.
All new franchisees will be provided with hands-on training and constant support to learn about the ins & outs of the store’s operations and management.
They will also help you evaluate potential locations and provide assistance in the grand opening of your store.
Other benefits include affordable initial Investment, a proven business model, and a well-designed advertising campaign.
Read In Detailed Kung Fu Tea Franchise
Comparison of Top 5 Bubble Tea Franchise Opportunities
| Company | Sharetea | Jazen Tea | 7 leaves Cafe | Ding Tea | Bubbleology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 | 2012 | 2011 | 2004 | 2011 |
| Outlets | 500+ | 18 | 20+ | 400+ | 70+ |
| Franchise Fee | $22,400 | $15,000 | $35,000 | $20,000 | $20,000-$30,000 |
| Initial Investment | $260,000-$360,000 | $163,300-$295,500 | $200,000-$450,000 | $123,000-$422,000 | $163,250-$361,600 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% | 4% | 5% | 2-5% | 5% |
Conclusion
Investing in a bubble tea franchise can be a highly profitable venture, but it requires careful planning, research, and hard work.
Before you invest, it is recommended to consult with a business professional or franchise attorney to help assess the potential profitability of the venture.
Make to pay attention to the brand’s reputation, training and support offered, and most importantly, whether or not your budget aligns with the investment requirements.
To ease the challenge, we have listed the best bubble tea franchise opportunities in the United States that are worth purchasing.
All of them offer support and training to help their franchisees build profitable careers in the bubble tea industry.
You can also check out the comparison table of the top five bubble tea franchises to decide which one suits you the best.
FAQ
Is It Profitable To Invest In A Bubble Tea Franchise?
The profitability of a bubble tea franchise depends on a variety of factors, such as the specific franchise you choose, the location you choose to open your franchise, and how well you manage and operate the business.
The industry is experiencing enormous growth, so certainly it is possible to build a profitable business in this niche.
How Much Would It Cost Me To Start A Bubble Tea Franchise In The USA?
The exact cost of starting a franchise varies depending on the location, store volume, and what you offer.
Big locations in the big cities cost on the higher end of the spectrum, between $75,000 to %500,000.
Drive-ins, Kiosks, and stores in airports and shopping centers tend to cost cheaper to get started ranging between $125,000 and $200,000.
How Much Can I Make From A Boba Tea Franchise?
The amount you can earn from a bubble tea shop depends on your brand reputation, store volume, range of products, and price range.
Many stores charge $3 to $4 per serving, so let’s say if they sell 500 cups a day, they could easily make more than $30,000 per month.
Amit Gupta is the founder of DrFranchises – a digital marketing agency that helps brands rank better on Google Maps through local SEO strategies. Amit has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing. He’s also the owner of multiple franchises and has helped countless brands achieve success online. When he’s not working, Amit can be found playing with his dog.