brand Logo

Chatime

Information based on 2025 FDD
Save
carousel-image-0
carousel-image-1
carousel-image-2
carousel-image-3
carousel-image-4
carousel-image-5
carousel-image-6
carousel-image-7
carousel-image-8
carousel-image-9
carousel-image-10
carousel-image-11
carousel-image-12
carousel-image-13
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if Chatime is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 2005
  • Franchising Since 2014
  • 16 US Franchises
  • $293,100 - $493,900 Investment Range
  • $793,037 Average Gross Revenue
  • 5% Royalty Fee
  • $54,900 Franchise Fee
Pre-qualification Amount

Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Chatime franchise.

Get pre-qualified for financing
Franzy Fit Score

Take our Fit Score survey to see if Chatime is a good match for you.

Franzy fit lock icon Logo
Not sure where to start? Talk to an expert
Brand Description

Chatime is a food service establishment offering gourmet coffees and teas, other coffee and tea-based beverages, bubble tea, compatible food products, coffee and tea makers, and related supplies, accessories, and gifts. The word ‘cha’ means ‘tea,’ so technically ‘chatime’ could be loosely translated into ‘teatime.’ But today, with over 1,500 locations around the globe, Chatime means so much more than that! Chatime is a Taiwanese franchise founded in 2005 with over 1,000 retail outlets across countries like Taiwan, Malaysia, China, India, Macau, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Dubai, Vietnam, Canada, UK, Mexico and the United States. Chatime has become one of the largest bubble tea brands in the world and is a publicly traded company showing a quadrupled stock value in 2019 from its mother company La Kaffa. As one of the top beverage companies in the world, Chatime aims to be the most loved and accessible drink brand in the world, revolutionizing the tea drinking culture in the US!

Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$54,900
Investment Range
$293,100 - $493,900
Investment Midpoint
$393,500
Minimum Cash Required
$293,100
Royalty Fees
5%
Brand Fund
2%
Brand Bragging Rights
Global Franchise
Milk Tea
Low Entry Cost
Healthy Franchise
Coffee
Food Service
Financial Analysis
Chatime presents a moderate investment opportunity in the competitive bubble tea market, with an initial investment range of $293,100 - $493,900, positioning it slightly below the sub-sector average maximum of $610,306. This investment typically covers store build-out, equipment, initial inventory, and training costs.

The franchise operates in the rapidly growing bubble tea segment, with 22 units demonstrating measured expansion. While specific revenue data isn't publicly available, the sub-sector average gross revenue of $307,288 suggests potential for strong returns in well-selected locations.

Key profitability factors include prime location selection, operational efficiency, and effective inventory management. The brand's diverse menu of 50+ drink variations and customization options creates multiple revenue streams and helps maintain competitive advantages.

ROI timeline typically ranges from 24-36 months, depending on location performance and local market conditions. Success indicators include daily customer count, average ticket size, and repeat customer rates. Risk mitigation strategies should focus on location analysis, staff training, and inventory control.

Ideal investors should have $100,000-150,000 in liquid capital, food service experience preferred. High-traffic urban locations with significant young professional and student populations offer optimal performance potential. The brand's established presence in the growing bubble tea market, combined with lower-than-average maximum investment requirements, suggests favorable long-term growth prospects.
Expected Investment Range
Understand What It Takes to Get Started!

Discover the financial commitment required to launch this franchise. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Bar chart display investment range

Answer a few quick questions - just 15 seconds - to reveal this detail and take the first step toward your dream business!

Average Gross Sales
See the Revenue Potential!

Curious about how much you could earn? The average gross sales data gives you a realistic view of the franchise's earning potential and success stories from existing franchisees.

Bar chart display gross sales

Provide a little information about yourself (it only takes 15 seconds) to access this valuable insight and start planning your future success!

Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Chatime. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
FranFund Logo

FranFund

Financing Partner

Learn More
Location Analysis
Chatime, established in 2005, maintains a significant presence across multiple states in the United States. The franchise demonstrates a broad national presence, with its strongest concentration in the Northeast, where Massachusetts and New York serve as key markets. The Midwest shows notable market penetration, particularly in Indiana, while the Southeast maintains an established presence anchored by Georgia. The brand demonstrates consistent coverage across other regions, including notable presence in Maryland, Missouri, and Colorado.

Customer satisfaction remains strong, evidenced by consistently positive ratings across numerous customer reviews. Chatime locations typically perform well in diverse metropolitan areas, particularly those with significant Asian-American populations, university presence, and high-density retail environments. The brand's expansion pattern suggests a strategic focus on markets with strong demographic alignment and robust foot traffic.

Growth opportunities exist for further market penetration, particularly in states with emerging presence such as Arizona, Michigan, and Tennessee. Prospective franchisees should consider locations in high-traffic retail centers, urban districts, and areas with strong millennial populations. The brand's current distribution pattern indicates potential for both market densification in established territories and strategic expansion into emerging markets with similar demographic profiles.
Total US Locations18
Open Franchises16
Corporate Locations2
Average Sq. FootN/A sq/ft
Territory Map

Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.

Man looking at a map

Complete a short questionnaire in just a minute to uncover this map and identify the perfect territory for your business!

Franchise Net Unit Growth
Track Growth to Gauge Success!

See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.

Line graph showing franchise net unit growth

Answer a few brief questions to access this growth data and make an informed decision about your future! It only takes 15 seconds and is completely free.

Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Chatime. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Chatime's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Chatime. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Chatime's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Chatime's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) we have on record, which was issued in 2025. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. Only the franchisor can confirm that the information is complete and accurate and we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Franchises for you
Personalize Results
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 1991

35+Active Units

N/A Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 2017

26+Active Units

$371,108 Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 2019

1+Active Units

$1,417,859 Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 2020

N/AActive Units

$1,560,490 Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 2017

70+Active Units

$1,483,031 Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 2017

1+Active Units

N/A Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Menchie's

$165,110

Founded: 2007

296+Active Units

N/A Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 2018

6+Active Units

$1,330,924 Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 2020

90+Active Units

N/A Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 1979

100+Active Units

$935,212 Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Everbowl

$189,300

Founded: 2018

91+Active Units

$664,800 Gross Revenue

View Details
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Min Investment

Founded: 1914

15+Active Units

$716,078 Gross Revenue

View Details