'We will be back in 2026': Gong Cha to relaunch in S'pore, says global CEO
Calista Wong and Ian Cheng for The Straits Times
Bubble tea brand Gong Cha will be relaunching in Singapore in 2026 with new franchisees, its global chief executive said on Oct 2, following news that it has shuttered all its stores islandwide.
In a statement on Oct 2 evening, Gong Cha Global said it has "temporarily shut" its outlets in Singapore. This came after Gong Cha Singapore took down its local social media accounts and website.
The Taiwanese bubble tea giant said it has decided not to renew the agreement with its incumbent master franchisee, but will relaunch in Singapore in partnership with new local franchisees.
Global CEO Paul Reynish said: "Singapore is a really important market for us, and we're really excited about relaunching in 2026."
It also intends to introduce its new Gong Cha 2.0 stores, first launched overseas in 2024, to Singapore.
"We believe we've cracked the code with Gong Cha 2.0, our award-winning technology-led store design," said Mr Reynish.
This builds on successful roll-outs of the store design in South Korea and Japan, which boasts innovative technology that can cut wait times and improve overall customer experience, Gong Cha's statement added.
Mr Reynish also thanked Gong Cha employees here for their hard work and commitment.
He added: "Finally, to Gong Cha lovers across the country: This is not a goodbye, but rather a 'see you soon!'. We will be back in 2026 with an even bolder, more innovative and more exciting proposition."
Mr Gavin Lim was among the consumers who said that he was happy to hear that the brand will be making a comeback.
"I was not aware of their rebranding in the overseas market, but can't wait to try their new menu when they open," the 27-year-old engineer said.
Similarly, university graduate Damian Thiam, 26, said that he was willing to give the relaunched brand a try.
"But if there is nothing that helps it stand out from the competition, I doubt I will change my bubble tea preferences," he added.
Earlier on Oct 2, Gong Cha Singapore announced that it had officially ceased operations islandwide.
Its chief executive, Mr Kang Puay Seng, told Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao that Gong Cha Singapore was no longer the franchisee of the Taiwanese brand here from Oct 1.
The statement also carried an assurance from the company to all stakeholders that all issues arising from the closure would be handled responsibly and fairly.
In a LinkedIn post in April, Gong Cha Global reported "record-breaking growth" in 2024, with system sales of more than US$600 million (S$772 million).
This was coupled with a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in group revenue to US$190 million, which it said was driven by strong growth in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
That year, Gong Cha also opened 240 new stores, including new flagship outlets in South Korea and its first stores in the Middle East.
