Gong Cha USA Franchising
Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data
Researching Gong Cha USA Franchising franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.
Gong cha serves bubble tea, milk tea, brewed tea, fruit drinks and smoothies. Customers customize beverages by choosing the drink type, sweetness and toppings, with product availability varying by location.
Headline figures
Quick facts
- How much does it cost to open a Gong Cha USA Franchising franchise?
- The Gong Cha USA Franchising Franchise Disclosure Document reports an estimated initial investment of $207,450–$648,460 (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 31). This is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
- What is the Gong Cha USA Franchising initial franchise fee?
- The disclosed initial franchise fee is $37,000 (2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 20). Details
- What ongoing fees does Gong Cha USA Franchising charge?
- The disclosed ongoing royalty is $6 (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 22). The brand or advertising fund contribution is $1 (2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 22). Other recurring fees are listed in Item 6. Details
- Does Gong Cha USA Franchising disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
- Yes. The Gong Cha USA Franchising FDD includes an Item 19 financial performance representation (2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 80). Figures apply only to the locations and period each one covers. Details
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
What the disclosures show
- 1Opening costs are estimated at $207,450 – $648,460 in the 2026 FDD (Item 7).
- 2Item 19 covers 8 separate groups: other measures for 56 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license stores; other measures for 111 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license stores; other measures for 55 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license stores; other measures for 55 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license stores; other measures for 56 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license stores; other measures for 222 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license locations; other measures for 111 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license stores; other measures for 222 29directfranchise,28masteroraffiliate,165thirdpartysubfranchise/license stores. They are not combined.
From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.
Costs · Items 5–7
What does it cost to open?
Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.
Startup Investment — Item 7
Total estimated initial investment
2026 FDD · Item 7 · PDF p. 31
Standard single-unit franchise fee
2026 FDD · Item 5 · PDF p. 20
Discounted and multi-unit options are separate; see all fees.
Ongoing Fees — Item 6
Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.
- ITEM 6 OTHER FEES Type of Fee Amount Due Date Remarks Royalty Fee — 6%Main ongoing fee
23 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.
Financial Performance — Item 19
What results are disclosed—and for which locations?
8 separate populations, shown apart. Revenue is not owner income.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 56 locations
- Who is counted
- Top Quartile (56 Stores)
- Period
- High
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 111 locations
- Who is counted
- Bottom Two Quartiles (111 Stores)
- Period
- Average
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 55 locations
- Who is counted
- 2nd Quartile (55 Stores)
- Period
- High
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 55 locations
- Who is counted
- 3rd Quartile (55 Stores)
- Period
- Aboveaverage percent
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 56 locations
- Who is counted
- Bottom Quartile (56 Stores)
- Period
- Average
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 222 locations
- Who is counted
- Established/total/excludedaslabelled
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 111 locations
- Who is counted
- Top Two Quartiles (111 Stores)
- Period
- Aboveaverage percent
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
Locations counted: not stated in the reviewed record
Other measures · 222 locations
- Who is counted
- All 222 Stores
- Period
- Average
- Excluded
- 17new2025not12months;15terminated/closedallolder12months;222full12monthreporters
- Method
- NetSales lessrefunds/salestax; franchisor/affiliate/CPA notverified/audited; quartilesrankedsales; growthnotforecast.
These groups are never combined.
Outlet Changes — Item 20
How has the outlet count changed?
Coverage not stated in the reviewed record · counts as of year end of each year.
2026 FDD · Item 20 ·
Questions to investigate
Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.
For the franchisor
Which line items in the 2026 Item 7 estimate ($207,450 – $648,460) vary most by market, and why?
Which locations are included in the Item 19 figures, and which were excluded?
Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?
For current and former owners
How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?
How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?
How do your results compare with the Item 19 figures, and what explains the difference?
What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?
For your advisors
Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.
Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.
Sources & vintage history
Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.
Citations (2026 FDD)
- [1]Estimated initial investment — Item 7 · PDF p. 31
- [2]Standard initial franchise fee — Item 5 · PDF p. 20
- [3]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Top Quartile (56 Stores) · PDF p. 80
- [4]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Bottom Two Quartiles (111 Stores) · PDF p. 80
- [5]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — 2nd Quartile (55 Stores) · PDF p. 80
- [6]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — 3rd Quartile (55 Stores) · PDF p. 80
- [7]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Bottom Quartile (56 Stores) · PDF p. 80
- [8]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Established/total/excludedaslabelled · PDF p. 80
- [9]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — Top Two Quartiles (111 Stores) · PDF p. 80
- [10]Item 19 — Locations counted not stated in the reviewed record — All 222 Stores · PDF p. 80
"PDF p." is the page in the PDF file; "printed p." is the number printed on the FDD page. Source document: FDD
Territory & operations
242 addresses in Franopolis's imported location list. Coverage may differ from Item 20 outlet counts.
These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.
Legal & agreement
Franchisor financial statements
| Fiscal year | Measure | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | cash | $359,906 |
| 2025 | brand marketing fund payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $362,211 |
| 2025 | due from related parties, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,784,813 |
| 2025 | franchisee deposits, net of current portion | $96,959 |
| 2025 | member's equityMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$429,014 |
| 2025 | deferred revenues, net of current portion | $659,884 |
| 2025 | fees from other services | $2,100,948 |
| 2025 | member's equity - beginning | $1,015,485 |
| 2025 | amortization expense | $427,845 |
| 2025 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$913,666 |
| 2025 | total other income | -$350,986 |
| 2025 | brand marketing fund payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $48,514 |
| 2025 | payments of earnout liability | -$118,750 |
| 2025 | proceeds from related-party loan payable | $5,152,191 |
| 2025 | accounts payable and accrued expensesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $828,690 |
| 2025 | cash - ending | $359,906 |
| 2025 | interest paid | $114,941 |
| 2025 | operating lease liability and right-of-use asset recognized | $533,390 |
| 2025 | accounts receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $634,825 |
| 2025 | other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $62,287 |
| 2025 | total current assets | $2,841,831 |
| 2025 | operating lease right-of-use asset | $526,966 |
| 2025 | goodwill, net | $2,026,671 |
| 2025 | intangible assets, net | $2,404,845 |
| 2025 | other assets | $34,079 |
| 2025 | total other assets | $4,992,561 |
| 2025 | total assets | $7,834,392 |
| 2025 | franchisee deposits - current | $180,000 |
| 2025 | operating lease liability - current | $46,830 |
| 2025 | deferred revenues - current | $131,331 |
| 2025 | earnout liability | $318,750 |
| 2025 | related-party loan payable | $5,152,191 |
| 2025 | total current liabilities | $7,020,003 |
| 2025 | operating lease liability, net of current portion | $486,560 |
| 2025 | total long-term liabilities | $1,243,403 |
| 2025 | total liabilities | $8,263,406 |
| 2025 | total liabilities and member's equity | $7,834,392 |
| 2025 | franchise fees and royalties | $1,827,522 |
| 2025 | brand marketing fund | $998,049 |
| 2025 | interest expense | -$350,986 |
| 2025 | total revenues | $4,926,519 |
| 2025 | operating expenses | $5,932,767 |
| 2025 | income | -$1,006,248 |
| 2025 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$1,357,234 |
| 2025 | member distributions | -$87,265 |
| 2025 | member's equityMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$429,014 |
| 2025 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$1,357,234 |
| 2025 | non-cash lease expense | $6,424 |
| 2025 | accounts receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$187,499 |
| 2025 | due from related parties, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$634,829 |
| 2025 | other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$56,072 |
| 2025 | accounts payable and accrued expensesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $714,915 |
| 2025 | franchisee deposits | -$112,041 |
| 2025 | deferred revenues | $270,390 |
| 2025 | acquisition, net of cash acquired | -$4,238,500 |
| 2025 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$4,238,500 |
| 2025 | distributions to member | -$87,265 |
| 2025 | net cash provided by financing activities | $4,946,176 |
| 2025 | net increase | -$205,990 |
| 2025 | cash - beginning | $565,896 |
| 2024 | total assets | $2,172,781 |
| 2024 | total current assets | $1,019,437 |
| 2024 | operating expenses | $3,739,440 |
| 2024 | accounts payable and accrued expensesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $55,774 |
| 2024 | deferred revenues - current | $86,860 |
| 2024 | intangible assets, net | $568,360 |
| 2024 | other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$6,215 |
| 2024 | brand marketing fund | $1,045,184 |
| 2024 | deferred revenues, net of current portion | $433,965 |
| 2024 | amortization expense | $101,848 |
| 2024 | franchisee deposits | -$50,000 |
| 2024 | cash - beginning | $60,611 |
| 2024 | cash - ending | $565,896 |
| 2024 | cash | $565,896 |
| 2024 | accounts receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $447,326 |
| 2024 | other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $6,215 |
| 2024 | due from related parties, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $584,984 |
| 2024 | total other assets | $1,153,344 |
| 2024 | brand marketing fund payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $265,697 |
| 2024 | franchisee deposits - current | $100,000 |
| 2024 | total current liabilities | $508,331 |
| 2024 | franchisee deposits, net of current portion | $215,000 |
| 2024 | total long-term liabilities | $648,965 |
| 2024 | total liabilities | $1,157,296 |
| 2024 | member's equityMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,015,485 |
| 2024 | total liabilities and member's equity | $2,172,781 |
| 2024 | franchise fees and royalties | $1,558,968 |
| 2024 | fees from other services | $1,496,590 |
| 2024 | total revenues | $4,100,742 |
| 2024 | income | $361,302 |
| 2024 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $361,302 |
| 2024 | member's equity - beginning | $654,183 |
| 2024 | member's equityMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $1,015,485 |
| 2024 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $361,302 |
| 2024 | accounts receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$78,750 |
| 2024 | due from related parties, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $50,358 |
| 2024 | accounts payable and accrued expensesMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$75,511 |
| 2024 | brand marketing fund payableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $181,886 |
| 2024 | deferred revenues | $20,367 |
| 2024 | net cash provided by | $505,285 |
| 2024 | net increase | $505,285 |
| 2023 | total revenues | $2,893,580 |
| 2023 | franchise fees and royalties | $858,977 |
| 2023 | operating expenses | $2,754,456 |
| 2023 | accounts receivable | -$368,576 |
| 2023 | income | $139,124 |
| 2023 | total other income | $15,059 |
| 2023 | net cash provided by financing activities | $500,000 |
| 2023 | member's equity | $654,183 |
| 2023 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $317,098 |
| 2023 | cash - ending | $60,611 |
| 2023 | brand marketing fund | $789,324 |
| 2023 | fees from other services | $1,245,279 |
| 2023 | interest income | $15,059 |
| 2023 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $154,183 |
| 2023 | member contributions | $500,000 |
| 2023 | net incomeMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | $154,183 |
| 2023 | amortization expense | $67,900 |
| 2023 | due from related parties, net | -$635,343 |
| 2023 | accounts payable and accrued expenses | $131,285 |
| 2023 | brand marketing fund payable | $83,811 |
| 2023 | deferred revenues | -$189,747 |
| 2023 | net cash provided byMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing | -$756,487 |
| 2023 | contribution from member | $500,000 |
| 2023 | net increase | $60,611 |
These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.
SBA-backed loans to franchisees
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Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.
Related research
Brands in the same subcategory first, then the wider industry, ordered by shared business format and overlapping investment range. This is not a ranking or recommendation.
Head-to-head comparisons
At a glance
Business history
Not reviewed
Owner participation
Not reviewed
Territory language
Litigation disclosure
Not reviewed
Bankruptcy disclosure
Not reviewed
Agreement term
Not reviewed
Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.