BUBBLE CITEA is a British bubble tea brand that has adapted their products - freshly prepared fruit and milk teas, along with crushed ice drinks - to meet local needs whilst keeping to the traditional core values of Taiwanese tea culture.
Winner of 4 Gold awards in 2024, including two Stevie awards, BUBBLE CITEA continues to excite customers and lead the fast-paced drinks market, as we provide a unique customer experience like no other! Our bubble tea is freshly prepared by hand and can be customised to your preference, from tea base to flavour, and sugar level to popping bubble choices.
Since opening our first store in Guildford in 2013, we have expanded to over 40 locations across the UK (employing over 600 staff), from Aberdeen to Plymouth, delighting nearly 2M Followers on social media along the way.
We are now looking to expand further across the UK through franchising and so are seeking like-minded individuals to join the BUBBLE CITEA family.
"My background in franchising began in 2019 as a ChipsAway mobile repairer covering Barnsley. In 2021, I expanded the business into a car care centre, which marked a period of significant growth. I have always been inspired to explore franchising because it is often easier than starting a business from scratch, especially when the brand is well-known and established with an existing customer base.
I chose Bubble CiTea over other opportunities because the team is very approachable and supportive. I was able to share my long-term goals with them, and they have been helpful in every way. Furthermore, Bubble CiTea is a highly recognized brand that people know and trust.
The onboarding process has been a breeze. The head office and franchise team kept me posted at every step, providing excellent guidance and advice. The training and ongoing support have been faultless; Cynthia has been incredibly quick to respond, and the training with Georgina was excellent, as she is clearly an expert in the field.
Preparing for the launch at the Highcross Shopping Centre has also been a great experience. The marketing team did most of the work, collaborating directly with the shopping centre on social media posts and strategy while incorporating my input. We are very excited for the opening.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to become a multi-store franchisee and grow together with the entire team. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Bubble CiTea for allowing me to be a part of the family." - Aung, Highcross Leicester Franchisee
Our franchise opportunity
With a decade of perfected systems and procedures, BUBBLE CITEA offers a streamlined and efficient franchise model.
Whether you opt for a typical 12 sqm kiosk OR a 30 sqm store, we support you every step of the way - from securing the perfect location to recruiting the best team and launching with a PR bang.
To meet growing customer demand, BUBBLE CITEA has partnered with Deliveroo, UberEats, and Just Eat, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite bubble tea anytime, anywhere. Plus, with our Click & Collect option on our app, you can order ahead and pick up your drink at your chosen time—no waiting in long queues!
Franchisees can generate additional revenue from the sale of gift cards and BUBBLE CITEA merchandise.
Average Investment
- Kiosk - £100K+VAT
- Store (fully turnkey) - £140K+VAT
We have relationships with high street lenders and well-respected brokers, However they will require £70-80k liquid funds and can top up with finance.
Leading technology
Here at BUBBLE CITEA, we embrace technological advancements as a core part of our business, ensuring our franchisees and teams thrive in the digital age. We utilise cutting-edge software to manage scheduling, inventory forecasting, and supply chain operations efficiently.
Our advanced POS system seamlessly integrates with all major delivery platforms, streamlining online orders, in-store sales, and transactions. Also, our self-serve kiosks enhance customer experience by reducing wait times and increasing order efficiency.
Ideal Partner
We are looking for great business operators who understand the importance of exceptional customer service and how to manage and train a great team.
Food experience is a bonus rather than a prerequisite, but you will need to demonstrate a track record of business success.
We have multi-site developer opportunities available, so we are happy to discuss ambitious plans if you have the relevant experience and resources.
"We decided to join Bubble CiTea because we already knew the brand well as customers and had consistently positive experiences. That gave us confidence in the product and customer appeal from the outset. When we explored the franchise model in more detail, it became clear that this was not just a good brand, but also a strong business opportunity within a fast-growing segment.
Both of us come from an IT background, so we approached this with a very commercial and long-term mindset. We were specifically looking for a scalable business with proven systems, strong brand recognition, and growth potential. Bubble tea in the UK is still developing, and we saw a clear opportunity to enter early, establish ourselves in the market, and benefit from that growth over time.
One of the key factors in our decision was the level of support from the franchise team. Krishma and Polly have been involved with us from the very beginning and have played a crucial role in making the setup process smooth and efficient. They supported us across all areas—from recruitment and staff interviews to store design, contractors, marketing, and IT infrastructure. Having that level of structured guidance reduced a lot of the initial risk and helped us make informed decisions at every stage.
From an investment perspective, having access to the right suppliers, established processes, and ongoing operational support has been extremely valuable. It has allowed us to focus on building the business rather than figuring everything out from scratch.
Looking ahead, our focus is on stabilising and optimising our current store to ensure strong performance. At the same time, we are already planning for expansion. We are particularly interested in high-footfall, well-positioned locations where we can maximise visibility and returns. Our goal is to scale this into a multi-site operation and grow alongside the brand as the market continues to mature." Arun and Kumar, Bubble CiTea Franchisees.
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