Gong cha Expands in Southern California with 3-Unit Deal

Experienced multi-unit operators Gagan and Aman Batta to bring the bubble tea brand to Fontana, Eastvale, and Jurupa Valley.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:15pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a premium glass bubble tea cup with a bamboo straw, a bamboo steamer basket, and a few fresh tea leaves floating on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the quality and craftsmanship of Gong cha's bubble tea products.Gong cha's expansion into Southern California with experienced multi-unit operators signals the brand's continued growth and commitment to premium bubble tea experiences.Fontana Today

Gong cha, the global bubble tea brand, has signed a three-unit development agreement in Southern California with franchise operators Gagan and Aman Batta. The deal includes locations in Fontana, Eastvale, and Jurupa Valley, with the first store expected to open in Fontana in Q3 2026. The Batta brothers have decades of experience operating multi-unit franchises across brands like Subway, Nekter Juice Bar, and Slice House Pizza.

Why it matters

Gong cha's expansion into Southern California represents a key growth opportunity for the brand as it continues to expand its U.S. footprint. The region's population growth and business-friendly conditions have driven new franchise development, making it an attractive market for the premium bubble tea concept.

The details

Under the new agreement, the Batta brothers will open three Gong cha locations in Fontana, Eastvale, and Jurupa Valley. The first store is slated to open in Fontana in the third quarter of 2026. The Battas have nearly two decades of franchise experience, previously operating 14 Subway locations and currently running one of the largest Nekter Juice Bar portfolios in the country with 20 locations.

  • The first Gong cha location under the new agreement is expected to open in Fontana in Q3 2026.
  • Gong cha has opened more than 240 stores in the U.S. across 23 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico since 2014 and is on track to exceed 500 stores in the Americas by 2028.

The players

Gong cha

The world's leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets.

Gagan and Aman Batta

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.

Geoff Henry

President of Gong cha Americas.

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What they’re saying

“As we continue our growth trajectory, key markets like Southern California demand the right balance of scale and local execution. 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.”

— Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas

“Bubble tea is a high-growth category, and we've been focused on finding a concept we can scale the right way. 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.”

— Gagan Batta

What’s next

Gong cha continues to seek experienced multi-unit operators to support its expansion across existing and emerging markets in the U.S. and internationally.

The takeaway

Gong cha's partnership with the Batta brothers, who have a proven track record of operating successful multi-unit franchises, positions the brand for continued growth in the high-potential Southern California market as it expands its U.S. footprint.