Gong cha opening more stores despite COVID-19 pandemic

Gong cha store in Busan / Courtesy of Gong cha

By Kim Jae-heun

Global milk tea brand Gong cha has gone from strength to strength during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the total number of stores worldwide increasing by nearly 250, up 17 percent, in 2021 alone.

Having continued to rapidly expand its business over the last few years, Gong cha saw its total number of stores jump up from 1,415 at the end of 2020 to 1,661 by the end of 2021.

Gong cha Korea was at the forefront of that global expansion last year, with the operation of 777 stores as of the end of 2021. Korea remains the leading Gong cha market worldwide and is at the forefront of the brand's innovation and international growth.

Gong cha Korea expects to continue its growth with the opening of an additional 87 stores this year.

By country, Gong cha significantly bolstered its presence in a number of key markets last year, including Australia, Japan, the Philippines, New York, and Mexico.

Gong cha Australia entered the 100 club last year, ending the year with 118 stores across the country. The Australian division looks to open an additional 17 stores this year.

Gong cha Japan achieved the same feat, jumping up from 90 stores at the end of 2020 to 113 stores by the end of 2021.

Expansion is set to continue in the Philippines too, where 34 stores will open this year, to take the total from 163 at the end of 2021 to 197 by the end of this year.

“Gong cha Philippines continues to remain focused on continuing store expansion despite the challenges of COVID-19,” Gong cha Philippines Master Franchisee Andrew Ong said. “Because of the quality, taste, good service, and multiple varieties of drinks to choose from, Gong cha makes its presence in almost all top locations in the Philippines.”

After opening 23 new stores in 2021, New York Master Franchisee Anchal Lamba is expecting to open 25 more stores in 2022. The new additions will increase the number of Gong cha stores in New York to 101, making it the fifth territory in which Gong cha has broken through the 100-store mark.

Gong cha Mexico also started 2022 on a strong note after increasing the number of stores there from just four to 26 last year. By the end of 2022, Gong cha Mexico expects to open 51 stores, almost double the current number.

According to Master Franchisee Cristina Soto, Gong cha's success in Mexico is attributed to the loyal market that the brand was able to establish in the tea-loving country.