Franchising

Gong cha debuts in Maine with South Portland location

Source: Gong cha

June 24, 2026

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Boston-based Gong cha will soon launch its first Maine location next week in South Portland, bringing the bubble tea brand to 200 Running Hill Road. The unit is owned and operated by Vacationland Tea Co., founded by husband-and-wife team Tafari and Nhi Thomas. The pair signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Gong Cha U.S. in October 2025 and plans to open additional locations in the state.

The Thomases currently operate multiple Johnny Rockets and Amato's locations. They've also been long-time customers of Gong cha.

"Every trip to Boston meant a stop at one of our favorite locations," Tafari Thomas said in a press release. "We started looking to add a third concept to our portfolio and realized Gong cha checked all the boxes: Low startup costs, simpler operations, lower employee headcount and a brand we believed in personally."

The South Portland store features Gong cha's 2.0 design, including beverage automation technology, self-order kiosks, large digital menu boards and an open layout.

The opening is part of Gong cha's North American expansion strategy. The brand has opened more than 240 stores across 23 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico since 2014 and expects to surpass 500 locations throughout the Americas by 2028.