- Chatime says it has more than 165 outlets in Australia and is the country’s largest bubble tea brand.
- Chatime asks partners to have access to at least 50% of the total investment and suggests working capital of about 10%.
- Cost depends on the location, so get a site-specific figure before modelling.
Chatime is a Taiwanese tea brand that arrived in Australia in 2009 and grew quickly through shopping centre and street-front stores. It calls its franchisees Business Partners.
Bubble tea is a high-margin, high-volume product, but trade can be seasonal and competitive, with several other tea brands often trading nearby.
Chatime franchise at a glance
| Sector | Bubble tea and fresh brewed tea |
|---|---|
| In Australia since | 2009 |
| Network | 165+ outlets in Australia |
| Investment | Depends on location (site-specific) |
| Funding | Access to at least 50% of the total investment |
| Working capital | About 10% of total investment suggested |
| Deposit | Paid on application and offset against legal documentation costs once approved |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Chatime model works financially
Tea, milk, toppings and cups are low-cost per drink, so gross margin is usually strong. The challenge is volume: stores need steady foot traffic across the day and the year. Afternoon and weekend peaks drive rostering, and hot weather lifts sales.
Rent is the major fixed cost in shopping centres. Competition from other tea brands nearby can affect sales, so look closely at the local market.
The numbers to test before you buy a Chatime franchise
- The investment for the specific site, plus 10% working capital.
- Cost per drink and toppings wastage.
- Sales by month to see seasonal swings.
- Labour at peak times and on weekends.
- Rent and outgoings against forecast sales.
- Competing tea stores within the same centre or strip.
Buying an existing Chatime store
Existing Chatime stores come up for sale through the franchisor and brokers. Check monthly sales over at least two years, reconcile them to BAS and bank statements, and look at the lease term and any refit obligations.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Chatime purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Chatime store we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests the site cost, funding, seasonal sales and lease against the disclosure document.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that tracks cost per drink and monthly sales. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalty and marketing fees to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next store. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Chatime franchise FAQs
How much does a Chatime franchise cost?
Chatime says the cost depends on the location. Ask for the investment for a specific site, and budget around 10% extra for working capital.
How much cash do I need for a Chatime?
Chatime asks partners to have access to at least 50% of the total investment, which can include cash, family funding or property equity.
How many Chatime stores are in Australia?
More than 165 outlets, according to Chatime.
Is bubble tea seasonal?
Sales are usually stronger in warmer months and on weekends. A good forecast shows whether the store covers its rent and wages in quieter months.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Chatime. Chatime is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
