Bubble tea, with its vibrant flavors and chewy pearls, is quickly becoming a beloved staple in communities across North America. The bubble tea revolution is officially spreading beyond metropolitan centers. CoCo Bubble Tea, one of North America’s leading boba brands, has announced significant expansion milestones that signal a strategic shift toward smaller cities across Canada and continued growth in the U.S. market, particularly in Texas.
Beyond the Big City Bubble
With over 120 stores nationwide and already established as a top-three brand in Toronto, CoCo Bubble Tea is now venturing into uncharted territory by targeting smaller Canadian cities. This move represents more than just geographical expansion; it’s a calculated strategy to democratize access to authentic bubble tea culture across North America.
Kody Wong, Director of Business Development at CoCo Bubble Tea, said: “As bubble tea becomes a staple refreshment in North America, we see significant potential for growth outside of major cities. From Alberta to Texas, CoCo’s franchise partners are bringing our brand to new communities and increasing access to authentic bubble tea for millions of North American consumers. We are immensely grateful to our partners for the passion and commitment it has taken to accomplish this.”
This expansion approach points out CoCo’s understanding that bubble tea’s popularity has moved beyond urban boundaries, creating opportunities in previously less-served markets.
Texas: The New Frontier
CoCo’s U.S. expansion story began in 2011 when it opened its first overseas store, establishing itself as a pioneering global tea brand. Fast forward to 2025, and Texas has emerged as a key priority market in the company’s growth strategy, with a new Dallas location opening in April 2025.
The Lone Star State reflects more than just another market; bubble tea is now embraced across diverse American communities.
Building Relationships, Not Just Stores
What sets CoCo apart in the competitive bubble tea landscape isn’t just its product quality, but its approach to franchise partnerships. The numbers are telling: Canadian franchise partners have remained loyal for 11 years, while New York City partners have grown alongside the brand for an impressive 14 years.
This longevity highlights CoCo’s commitment to what they describe as a value-driven model and collaborative culture. The brand has created what they call the “Boba Squad,” a term that encompasses both employees and partners, showing the resilience and vibrancy that define CoCo’s community-focused approach.
Cultural Innovation and Local Adaptation
CoCo’s success isn’t just about replicating a formula; it’s about cultural integration. In Canada, the brand has shown remarkable adaptability by transforming fan-favorite drinks like its passionfruit series into popsicles sold in T&T Supermarket locations across the country.
The brand’s collaboration with Barbie, bringing “Strawberry Dreamer” drinks to over 100 stores across North America, demonstrates how CoCo continues to innovate with purpose and connect with younger audiences through pop culture partnerships.
Comprehensive Franchise Support
CoCo’s expansion success is backed by robust support systems tailored specifically to the North American market, including dedicated logistics and supply chain for the region, local operations and consulting teams offering in-person support, regional training programs, product R&D and adaptation for local tastes, and a single-store program empowering individual entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead: Franchise Opportunities
For potential partners interested in joining CoCo’s expansion, the brand will be showcasing opportunities at two major franchise expos: Franchise Expo West 2025 at Los Angeles Convention Center (Booth #525, September 5–6, 10 AM–4 PM) and Toronto Fall Franchise Show at The International Centre (Booth #148, September 13–14, 11 AM–5 PM).
The Bigger Picture
CoCo’s strategic focus on smaller cities marks a significant shift in the bubble tea industry’s growth direction. By recognizing that authentic boba culture can thrive outside major metropolitan areas, CoCo is not just expanding its footprint; it’s democratizing access to a beverage that has become a cultural phenomenon.
As CoCo continues to position itself as one of the fastest-growing companies in the space, its expansion strategy shows that success in the modern franchise landscape depends on cultural sensitivity, long-term partnership thinking, and the vision to see opportunity where others might not look.
The bubble tea revolution is no longer confined to big cities, and CoCo Bubble Tea is leading the charge into America’s heartland, one small city at a time.
