Gong cha franchise: costs, fees and what to check before you buy

Gong cha is a Taiwanese tea brand with stores in more than 20 countries. The global group is headquartered in London, and in Australia the brand is run by a master franchisee that recruits and supports individual store owners.

That structure matters: your franchise agreement is with the Australian master franchisee, which in turn holds rights from the global brand owner.

Gong cha franchise at a glance

Sector	Bubble tea
Structure	Australian master franchisee under the global Gong cha Group
Network	150+ stores in Australia (listings)
Pricing approach	Turnkey: one set cost to open a fully operating store
Typical locations	Shopping centres and high-traffic strips
Resales	Existing stores regularly listed, some under management

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 Gong cha model works financially

Like other bubble tea brands, Gong cha relies on low cost per drink and high volumes. Margins are strong when foot traffic is consistent, and labour scheduling around peaks drives profit.

Under a master franchise structure, ask what happens to your agreement if the master franchise changes hands or ends, and which entity supplies product and sets prices.

The numbers to test before you buy a Gong cha franchise

• The turnkey price and exactly what it includes.
• Cost per drink and toppings wastage.
• Monthly sales history to see seasonality.
• Labour at peaks and weekends.
• Lease term and rent as a share of sales.
• The master franchise arrangement and supply terms.

Buying an existing Gong cha store

Some Gong cha stores are advertised as fully under management. If you won’t work in the store, the profit must cover a manager’s wage at award rates. Reconcile reported profit to BAS and bank statements and check the remaining lease.

How Franchise Co. can help with a Gong cha purchase

We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Gong cha store we can:

• Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests the turnkey price, supply terms, lease and sales forecast.
• Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that separates owner and manager wages so the true profit is clear. 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.

Talk to us about a Gong cha franchise

Gong cha franchise FAQs

Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Gong cha. Gong cha is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.

Sources and further reading

• Franchise Buyer: Gong cha Australia franchise business model
• Inside Retail: Gong cha expansion
• SEEK Business: Gong cha WA opportunity
• ACCC: Franchise disclosure document

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.