Gong cha expands in Southern California with 3-Unit Deal
Image: Gong cha
Gong cha, a bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, has signed a three-unit development agreement in Southern California with experienced franchise operators Gagan and Aman Batta, further expanding its US footprint.
The agreement includes development in Fontana, Eastvale and Jurupa Valley, with the first location expected to open in Fontana in Q3 2026.
Gagan and Aman Batta are second-generation franchise operators with a diversified portfolio spanning more than 26 restaurants across multiple brands, including Subway, Nekter Juice Bar, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Slice House Pizza. Their experience includes large-scale multi-unit operations, in-house management infrastructure and a track record of award-winning performance across systems.
“As we continue our growth trajectory, key markets like Southern California demand the right balance of scale and local execution,” said Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas. “The Batta brothers are exceptional operators, and we’re excited to partner with such experienced multi-unit leaders to accelerate development and establish the brand in a meaningful way.”
The Batta brothers bring nearly two decades of franchise experience, having previously owned and operated 14 Subway locations, where they earned multiple honours including “Multi-Unit Owner Franchisee of the Year” and “Top Caterer” awards. In 2026, they operate one of the largest Nekter Juice Bar portfolios in the country, with 20 locations, including several top-performing units nationwide.
“Bubble tea is a high-growth category, and we’ve been focused on finding a concept we can scale the right way,” said Gagan Batta. “With our background operating multi-unit brands, we understand how to build in competitive, high-demand spaces, and Gong cha gives us a strong platform to do that while also diversifying and complementing our existing portfolio.”
Southern California represents a key growth opportunity for Gong cha, aligning with broader franchise expansion trends across the Southwest, where population growth and business-friendly conditions continue to drive new development, according to the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook.
