Gong Cha Singapore shuts all stores after losing franchise

But global CEO of bubble tea brand says relaunch here planned in 2026

- Ian Cheng

The Gong Cha outlet at Bugis Junction was shut when The Straits Times visited on Oct 2, with its signage covered with red paper. In a statement provided to Lianhe Zaobao on the same day, Mr Kang Puay Seng, chief executive of Gong Cha Singapore, confirmed that all its stores in Singapore have shut.

(ST PHOTO: GIN TAY)

Bubble tea brand Gong Cha has officially ceased operations in Singapore as at Oct 2, after it took down its local social media accounts and website and shuttered its shops in past months.

In a statement provided to Lianhe Zaobao on Oct 2, Mr Kang Puay Seng, chief executive of Gong Cha Singapore, confirmed that all its stores in Singapore have shut.

Mr Kang told the Chinese-language daily that Gong Cha Singapore was no longer the franchisee of the Gong Cha 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.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all stakeholders who have contributed to Gong Cha Singapore since 2017, especially our loyal customers and hardworking staff,” said Mr Kang.

But in a statement on the evening of Oct 2, Gong Cha’s global chief executive Paul Reynish said the brand intends to relaunch in Singapore in 2026.

Gong Cha Global said it has “temporarily shut” its outlets here after deciding not to renew its current agreement with its incumbent master franchisee, but will relaunch in Singapore in 2026 with new local franchisees.

It also intends to introduce its new Gong Cha 2.0 stores, which were first launched overseas in 2024, to Singapore.

It added that this builds on successful roll-outs of its new store design in South Korea and Japan, which boasts innovative technology that can cut wait times and improve overall customer experience.