Industry veteran to lead the brand’s growth across high-traffic, non-traditional venues as Gong cha continues nationwide expansion
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gong cha, the world’s premier bubble tea brand with more than 240 locations across 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development. A seasoned franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich’s expertise spans franchising, site selection, and strategic partnerships—expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long-term value creation.
In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha’s non-traditional development strategy in the U.S. His work will focus on scaling the brand through multi-unit partnerships in high-volume, experience-driven venues such as airports, colleges and universities, casinos, amusement destinations, and big box retail—all key touchpoints for Gong cha’s core customer base of Gen Z and millennials.
Says Nedelkovich, “These venues not only provide high visibility, but also allow us to tap into daily routines and impulse-driven purchase behaviors. Strategically, they offer scalable, multi-unit growth potential in environments where consumer demand for innovative beverage options continues to rise.”
Nedelkovich’s priorities include refining the brand’s flexible design packages, accelerating speed to market, and enhancing operational adaptability to meet the demands of fast-moving, high-foot-traffic locations. He will also focus on optimizing existing partner relationships, while building new strategic alliances across foodservice, travel, and institutional sectors.
“Michael brings a rare 360-degree perspective, having served as a landlord, tenant, and brand operator,” said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. “His leadership and deep relationships in the non-traditional space will be instrumental as we expand our footprint into new formats and reach new customers across the U.S. and beyond.”
In his previous role as Director of Non-Traditional Franchise Development at Go To Foods (formerly Focus Brands), Nedelkovich secured more than 120 site-specific locations across seven major national brands including Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Jamba, Carvel, Schlotzsky’s, McAlister’s, and Moe’s, earning him multiple consecutive President’s Club awards for sales achievement. His work included spearheading expansions into over a dozen casinos and several of the country’s largest stadiums, as well as key partnerships across a range of non-traditional channels such as colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, amusement parks, zoos, and travel centers.
Nedelkovich also held leadership roles at Areas USA and Fraport USA, where he oversaw brand development and F&B concessions across major U.S. airports and toll roads, with a portfolio that included a wide range of national chains and chef-driven concepts—from Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Burger King, to Wolfgang Puck & Chef Jose Andres. He began his career supporting non-traditional development initiatives for American Express, gaining early experience in high-traffic consumer environments.
For more information about Gong cha and franchise opportunities, please visit https://gongchausofficial.com/.
ABOUT GONG CHA
Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is the world’s premier bubble tea brand. Its commitment to quality starts with its name: “Gong cha” means to offer the best tea to the emperor from all of one’s possessions. From the most seasoned bubble tea connoisseur to a first-timer, Gong cha offers its customers the ability to customize their beverage to their exact specifications and never sacrifices flavor or technique. With its premium product, simple and scalable operational model, and strong corporate support, Gong cha is one of the fastest-growing bubble tea brands in the U.S and internationally, with nearly 2,200 locations in 29 international markets. Since 2014 Gong cha has opened more than 240 stores in the U.S. across 21 states and Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico and is on track to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028. Gong cha was ranked #1 in the Tea category in Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fourth consecutive year (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022); ranked #140 on Franchise Times’ Top 400 List of the largest U.S. based franchise systems by global systemwide sales (2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021); ranked #5 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers List honoring brands leading the industry (2024); awarded category winner of Top Food & Beverage Franchises in the Global Franchise Awards (2023); and named one of QSR Magazine’s 17 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2023. For more, please visit gongchausofficial.com.
Contacts
Media Contacts:
Ashley Martinez, Carbonate
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