Dallas Family Brews Boba Empire with 10-Store Chatime Deal

DALLAS, TX – May 18, 2026 – As the global bubble tea phenomenon continues its sweep across the nation, Dallas is set to become a significant new hub for one of the industry's largest players. Chatime, a teahouse franchise with roots in Taiwan and over 1,400 locations worldwide, is planting a major flag in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The first of what is planned to be a ten-store expansion opens its doors this month, but the story behind the counter is as compelling as the brand's global ambition: it’s a venture driven entirely by a local Dallas family.

A husband-and-wife duo, long-time residents of the city, are the new faces of Chatime in North Texas. Their first location, nestled in the recently renovated Medallion Center at 6464 E NW Hwy, will celebrate its grand opening on May 30. This launch marks not only a new beverage option for locals but also the beginning of an ambitious entrepreneurial journey for a family diving headfirst into the booming, and highly competitive, world of food franchising.

A Family Affair: From Part-Time Dream to Boba Empire

For the Dallas couple, who are first-time franchise owners, the path to opening a bubble tea shop began with a practical search for a new opportunity. They sought a business that could be initiated on a part-time basis, allowing them to maintain their full-time careers while building a long-term asset. Chatime, with its established global reputation yet emerging presence in the U.S., presented a unique balance of brand recognition and growth potential.

"Chatime felt like the right opportunity for us because it offered a strong global brand with real recognition, even though it is still growing in the United States," the new owners stated. "We were new to franchising and needed something we could start while continuing our full-time jobs, and this turned out to be a blessing in disguise."

What began as a business venture has quickly evolved into a full-fledged family operation. The couple’s two sons have taken on critical roles, transforming the business into a multi-generational enterprise. This hands-on involvement is a source of immense pride for the parents.

"What makes it even more meaningful is that our younger son is managing the store and has become a key part of the operation, while our older one proudly calls himself the HR guy, leading the hiring and onboarding efforts," they shared. "It has truly become a family affair."

Their commitment extends far beyond a single storefront. The family has secured a 10-unit development deal, signaling a bold plan to establish a significant Chatime footprint throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth market. This makes their entry into the business not just a single bet, but a major investment in the region's growing appetite for specialty beverages.

Dallas: The New Frontier in the Global Bubble Tea Boom

The family's ambitious plan unfolds against the backdrop of a dynamic and increasingly competitive beverage market. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has seen a surge in demand for bubble tea, with numerous local and international brands vying for consumer loyalty. Chatime enters this crowded field armed with a global playbook for success, honed over nearly two decades of rapid expansion.

Founded in Taiwan in 2005, Chatime was one of the first brands to propel bubble tea onto the world stage. Its parent company, La Kaffa International, even became the first tea franchise to achieve an IPO in Taiwan, a testament to its operational and financial scale. The company's strategy in the U.S. involves a renewed franchising push, targeting high-traffic locations and supporting franchisees with a streamlined supply chain and an innovative "shop in a box" concept for efficient build-outs.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the barrier to entry is significant. The initial investment for a Chatime franchise ranges from approximately $291,100 to $499,900. However, the company does not require prior restaurant experience, instead seeking passionate owner-operators and providing a comprehensive three-week training program and ongoing support. This model is designed to empower individuals like the Dallas family to succeed within a proven system.

More Than a Drink: The Cultural Currency of Bubble Tea

Chatime's Dallas opening is the latest chapter in the remarkable journey of bubble tea, which has evolved from a Taiwanese night market treat into a mainstream cultural staple across the globe. The brand has positioned itself at the forefront of this movement by emphasizing quality and innovation, drawing on decades of tea manufacturing expertise to craft a menu centered on real ingredients and bold flavors.

Customers at the new Dallas location can expect a diverse menu featuring customizable milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, and the brand's signature brown sugar pearls. Offerings like Matcha, Mango Matcha with Mango Popping Pearls, and Strawberry Matcha with Boba showcase the blend of traditional tea culture with modern, playful twists that has won over a global fanbase.

This cultural appeal is a key part of the grand opening celebration. The first 50 guests each day on May 30 and 31 will receive a free Premium Boba Milk Tea in a limited-edition "Charm the World Cup," complete with a mystery plushie. This collectible element taps directly into the fan culture that surrounds the brand, turning a simple beverage purchase into a memorable experience.

Throughout the two-day event, an all-day Buy-One-Get-One promotion will also be in effect, offering a choice of a free Premium Boba Milk Tea or a Tropical Green Tea with Jelly Ball with any drink purchase. These promotions are designed to generate buzz and introduce the brand's core offerings to a new audience.

The new store in the Medallion Center, a long-standing Dallas landmark, places Chatime at a community crossroads. The opening contributes not only to the local flavor but also to the local economy, creating jobs with the first store and promising many more as the family's 10-unit plan comes to fruition over the coming years.