Bubble tea chain plots UK takeover that would create 2,000 jobs in main enlargement – will YOUR city be one of many first to get a brand new retailer?

One of the world’s fastest-growing bubble tea brands has revealed it plans to open more than 225 stores in the UK, creating nearly 2,000 jobs.

Gong Cha signed a deal with the company who franchised Costa Coffee in a bid to achieve their goal of opening 10,000 locations across the world by 2032.

The first new stores are set to open next month in Sidcup, Romford and Hornchurch in London, and Gravesend in Kent.

Bubble tea is so named because there are small, sweet balls in the bottom called tapioca pearls which are chewy and the drink is often served cold.

The popular Asian drink has exploded onto the British scene, with thousands of shops across the UK selling variations of the beverage.

Gong Cha, which was founded in Taiwan, opened its UK branch in Manchester and currently operates 13 stores in Britain.

Gong Cha’s CEO, Paul Reynish, joked that the firm ‘can’t wait to show the UK how tea is meant to be’.

Mr Reynish said despite seeing ‘fantastic interest’ across the world, ‘where it mattered most to us was the UK, which is one of the most exciting markets for us globally’. 

Gong Cha is set to open more than 225 stores in the UK, creating nearly 2,000 jobs

Bubble tea has small, sweet balls in the bottom called tapioca pearls which are chewy and the drink is often served cold 

‘As a market, the UK has huge potential for us. It’s a market that is constantly evolving, ripe with innovation, and made up of consumers willing to try new and exciting products.

‘We firmly believe it is one of the most significant markets in the global F&B industry, and one of the reasons we relocated our global HQ to London in 2019.

‘Now, with our expanded footprint, we want to play a leading role in shaping the next decade of the UK’s food and beverage industry, while cementing Gong Cha as a household name.’

Gong Cha signed a deal with Jinziex – ‘a proven and highly respected food and beverage franchise operator’ – in the hopes of dominating the bubble tea industry in the UK.

One of the company’s CEOs, Diljit Brar, was integral to the ‘highly successful’ scaling of Costa Coffee and hoped this experience will ‘ensure Gong Cha becomes a household name’.

Alongside Mr Brar, Jinziex is led by Azha Rehman, founder and CEO of Kaspa’s Desserts and Steve Falle, managing director of WY&SF Ltd.

Originally from Taiwan but now headquartered in London, Gong Cha now operates in 28 countries with 2,100 locations. 

‘Guided by a blend of tradition and innovation, we’re dedicated to creating exceptional experiences with each cup of tea,’ it said.

Gong Cha’s CEO, Paul Reynish, joked that the firm ‘can’t wait to show the UK how tea is meant to be’