At Gong cha, our franchise owners fall into two categories: sub-franchisee and master franchisee. A sub-franchisee oversees their own Gong cha store, including daily operations, a team of employees, and guest service. They’re supported by their territory’s experienced master franchisee and receive ongoing support from the Gong cha team, too.
For sub-franchisee Vi Nguyen, this role was an excellent fit. She was starting out in the franchise ownership world and loved the idea of owning a business with the oversight of a master franchisee. After four years, Nguyen has learned several key lessons as a Gong cha sub-franchisee that can help guide new or prospective owners. Keep reading to see what advice Nguyen has accrued throughout her experience with Gong cha.
1. YOUR ROLE AS A TEA FRANCHISE OWNER CAN CHANGE
When Nguyen opened her first Gong cha bubble tea location, she was in the store regularly. It was important to her that she was aware of and trained on the everyday procedures, present for her team of employees, and constantly learning why guests kept coming back to Gong cha.
As Nguyen became more comfortable with the daily operations of her store and happy with the process, she took a step back at her subsequent locations and assumed a managerial-focused role. She now works primarily on preparing her new stores for day-to-day business and always remembers that no matter what her own role is, taking care of her team is a key step to franchise ownership.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is that you need to always take care of your employees,” Nguyen said. “I was someone’s employee once back then and I always worked hard and longest for companies who cared for their employees and put them first. Take care of those who take care of you. I try to always remember that now as an employer.”
2. TAKE INTEREST & PRIDE IN YOUR DRINK FRANCHISE’S PRODUCTS
Nguyen has been a bubble tea fan for over a decade, recalling her time studying in a local tea shop. Her love of bubble tea over the years has helped her develop a taste for quality ingredients and premium products, and it became important to her to own a tea franchise that was proud of their products. When Nguyen finally discovered Gong cha, she knew we were the right fit for her.
“Because I drank it so much, I can tell the difference in quality right away,” Nguyen said. “When I tasted my first Gong cha drink—a strawberry green tea with milk foam and pearls—I just knew the quality that Gong cha provides can stand the test of time.”
At Gong cha, we take immense pride in the premium ingredients offered at each of our bubble tea stores, including Nguyen’s. Our premium teas are sourced from the best tea estates across Asia, and guests associate our great-tasting drinks with our highest-quality, authentic taste.
3. RELY ON YOUR DRINK FRANCHISE FOR ONGOING SUPPORT
At Gong cha, sub-franchisees like Vi Nguyen are always welcome to connect with our support team and master franchisees. We’re always available to answer questions along the way and help guide you through ownership. We’ve got resources to help you train employees, order supplies and premium ingredients, and even promote your store. For Nguyen, she has been appreciative of our team’s openness to new franchise or business ideas, too.
“The whole Gong cha team really values and listens to opinions, so if you have a valid point, you know you’ll be heard,” Nguyen said.
BECOME A SUB-FRANCHISEE AT GONG CHA
Ready to join Gong cha sub-franchisees like Vi Nguyen? Learn more about the opportunities for sub-franchisee ownership in your market and how you can get started with a Gong cha store of your own. Contact our team today—we’re excited to hear from you!
