Small Footprint, Big Returns: Why Gong cha is a No-Brainer for Existing Franchise Portfolios

If you’re a multi-unit operator, you’ve probably weathered it all: supply chain chaos, labor shortages, finicky food costs, and operations that feel like you’re juggling flaming knives on a busy Saturday.

Now? Throw in tariffs muddying your COGS, a rollercoaster economy, and consumers tightening spending, because nothing says 2025 like wondering if today’s “correction” will tank tomorrow’s sales.

But here’s the thing: you’ve adapted.

You’ve built systems that survive (even thrive) in the madness.

So the question is: why are so many experienced operators adding Gong cha to their portfolios right now?

Simple. Because uncertainty demands certainty.

Gong cha isn’t just another trial-and-error concept, it’s a strategic hedge.

Low labor needs. Streamlined ops. Margins that stay strong even when the Fed starts playing games with rates.

And in a world where consumers might skip a $15 burger but still opt for a $6 boba? That’s resilience.

Let’s break down why it’s the right fit for your real estate, staff model, and risk tolerance—especially now.

It’s the Easiest Operational Win You’ll Ever Add

Running a QSR or fast-casual concept has its own unique challenges like prep-heavy food, high turnover, high waste, and (sometimes) equipment that feels like it needs a PhD to run.

Gong cha’s operational simplicity is refreshingly different from all of that.

Here’s the most complex thing your team will do: boil water. No, really.

Gong cha eliminates the stress of traditional food service by removing everything that slows you down. In other words:

No kitchen.
No hot lines.
No grease traps.
No frantic 12-step prep lists during the lunch rush.
With just 1–2 employees needed per shift, you don’t have to worry about building out a back-of-house army.

You’re building a lean, high-efficiency team that can execute drinks quickly, consistently, and at a high margin.

Add in a streamlined supply chain that connects directly to tea farms, and it’s clear why experienced operators are loving how low-touch it is to manage.

This isn’t just “easy to run,” this is built for scale.

It’s Built for Modern Consumer Behavior

Let’s be honest: the way people eat and drink has changed, and most legacy brands aren’t keeping up.

Today’s consumer isn’t simply defaulting to pizza and beer or sugary coffee every afternoon. Food IQs have evolved significantly.

According to Technomic, 78% of millennials and Gen Z seek globally inspired flavors in food and drinks.

Younger demographics are also more sober-curious, health-aware, and into flavor-forward, globally inspired options. Gong cha checks all the boxes:

It’s Instagrammable but also legit (there’s real quality here, not just foam and flash).
It’s functional—people don’t just want caffeine, they want something that feels good to drink.
It’s a great alcohol-free social space, perfect for hanging out or grabbing something post-meal without committing to another round.

Gen Z isn’t mimicking their parents’ habits, and Gong cha is riding the wave of that shift.

While some older investors still call tea a “trend,” the data says otherwise.

The market’s set to nearly double from $2.8 in 2025 to $4.8B by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 7.81%.

Translation? You’re not hopping on a fad, you’re stepping into a growing category with a proven global leader.

It Fits Nicely Next to What You Already Own

If you’re already in QSR, coffee, snacks, or even Asian cuisine, Gong cha is a perfect complement.

It’s a small-footprint model with inline, kiosk, and non-traditional options that work great in:

Malls
Airports
College campuses
Urban neighborhoods
High-foot traffic downtown zones

In other words, it doesn’t compete with your other concepts, it rounds them out.

A Gong cha store draws a younger crowd, drives incremental visits, and creates daily or weekly rituals that bring people back.

And here’s the secret sauce: it’s a beautifully flexible brand.

Whether you’re adding it next to your taco brand or building a micro-footprint in a high-traffic retail corridor, Gong cha’s versatility is as intentional as it is convenient.

It’s a Portfolio Power Move, Without the Headaches

For operators juggling multiple brands and niches in franchising, you know the truth:

The most seasoned operators aren’t looking to develop from scratch anymore. They’re looking to acquire strong, clean, and scalable models.

Gong cha delivers exactly that.

It’s a premium brand with real systems, a clean supply chain, global credibility, and the kind of operational ease that lets you scale fast without losing your mind.

No extensive back-of-house buildout. No guessing games with new suppliers. No training 15-person shifts.

All of that is replaced with a proven model with exceptional unit economics and a team that knows how to support experienced operators who want to run fast.

And let’s be honest, when you’re used to managing restaurants where you’re cooking proteins to temp, dealing with spoilage, or running through a 20-step opening checklist, the idea of scaling a category-leading drink brand that boils water and runs with a staff of 2 feels like a dream.

The Bottom Line: Gong cha Checks Every Box for Savvy Multi-Unit Owners

Multi-unit owners don’t chase shiny objects—they chase margin, operational efficiency, and repeatability.

Gong cha delivers all three, which is exactly why they keep showing up in the portfolios of seasoned operators.

It’s not just a “good fit,” it’s a strategic advantage, especially in a volatile market and economy.

Whether you’re running QSRs, coffee shops, or fast-casual brands, Gong cha complements what you already own.

It thrives in the same high-foot-traffic zones, doesn’t compete with your core offerings, and actually increases cross-brand footfall.

The kicker?

It does all this with a lean staff, simple prep, zero grease traps, and unit economics that make traditional food concepts look… exhausting.

In a world where training cycles are long, labor is scarce, and customer preferences are shifting by the hour, Gong cha offers what few brands can: low complexity, high return, and long-term relevance.

This isn’t about jumping on a trend either, it’s about owning a category that’s growing faster than most legacy food segments.

So if you’ve been looking for a brand that won’t burn out your team, your margins, or your sanity, this is your moment.

Gong cha doesn’t just fit into your portfolio, it elevates it.

Want to learn how Gong cha fits into your portfolio?

Reach out to them today, because your next franchise move might just be the simplest one yet.

The Wolf

The Wolf of Franchises is an industry insider who’s sharing the secret sauce of how lucrative the franchising industry can be. He offers expert insight to help both new and existing franchise owners reach success.

0 Shares