Established
1992
Franchise Units
150
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sharetea is one of the most established and globally recognized bubble tea brands in the world, offering franchise investors a proven entry point into the fast-growing specialty beverage market in the United States. Known for its premium tea sourcing, customizable drinks, and consistent quality, Sharetea has successfully turned bubble tea into a mainstream lifestyle product across diverse consumer demographics.
The brand operates within the fast-casual beverage segment, combining efficient operations with strong customer loyalty. Sharetea’s menu focuses on freshly brewed teas, milk teas, fruit teas, and a wide range of toppings, allowing customers to personalize sweetness and ice levels—an approach that drives repeat visits and daily foot traffic.
In the U.S. market, Sharetea is positioned as a premium yet accessible brand, appealing strongly to Gen Z, millennials, families, and professionals. Its scalable business model, global supply chain, and refined operating systems make it a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking long-term growth in the beverage industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Globally recognized bubble tea brand with decades of operating history
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Strong growth in the U.S. specialty beverage and bubble tea segment
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Beverage-focused model with attractive margins and operational simplicity
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Flexible store formats suitable for malls, street locations, and strip centers
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High repeat customer behavior driven by customization and seasonal products
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Lower labor and food complexity compared to full-service restaurants
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Strong social media visibility and brand-driven demand
Background
Established Year: 1992
Founder: Cheng Kai-lung
Industry Category: Bubble Tea / Specialty Beverages / Fast-Casual
Franchise Active Units (USA):
Approximately 150+ active franchise locations across the United States
Sharetea was founded in Taiwan in 1992 with a vision to elevate tea culture through quality, consistency, and innovation. Starting as a local tea shop, the brand expanded steadily across Asia before entering international markets, including the United States. Over time, Sharetea developed strict standards for ingredient sourcing, brewing methods, and store operations to ensure a uniform customer experience worldwide.
Support Training
Sharetea offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide franchisees from site selection through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support:
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Location evaluation and site selection guidance
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Store layout planning and design standards
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Equipment specifications and vendor coordination
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Pre-opening timelines and launch checklists
Training & Operations:
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Initial training on beverage preparation and quality control
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Food safety, sanitation, and compliance procedures
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POS systems, inventory management, and ordering processes
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Staff hiring, training, and scheduling guidance
Marketing & Brand Support:
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National brand positioning and promotional strategies
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Seasonal menu launches and limited-time offerings
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Social media and digital marketing guidance
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Local store marketing plans for grand openings and promotions
Ongoing Support:
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Field support and operational performance reviews
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Continuous product innovation and menu updates
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Refresher training programs and operational improvements
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Performance tracking and business optimization support
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Sharetea franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor who values structured systems, brand consistency, and customer experience. While prior food service or retail experience is helpful, it is not mandatory.
Best Suited For:
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Multi-unit operators expanding into beverage franchises
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First-time franchise owners with strong management skills
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Hands-on owner-operators focused on daily execution
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Investors seeking scalable, repeatable business models
Key Attributes:
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Adequate liquidity and access to startup capital
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Willingness to operate in high-traffic urban or suburban markets
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Commitment to staff training and brand standards
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Long-term vision with interest in multi-unit growth
Financial Detail
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $200,000 – $450,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $120,000+ |
| Store Build-Out & Equipment | $120,000 – $250,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing % of gross sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | Ongoing contribution |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Milk teas, fruit teas, add-ons, delivery |
