Boba Isn’t a Fad: How Gong cha Is Scaling Bubble Tea With Automation episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 23, 2026 · 26 MIN

Boba Isn’t a Fad: How Gong cha Is Scaling Bubble Tea With Automation

from The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends & Hospitality Leaders · host Chris Noffze

Chris Noffze, Director of Direct Franchising and Operations at Gong cha Americas, takes us inside Gong cha’s franchise growth strategy, simplified operations, and Gong cha 2.0 including Super Wu, the beverage automation system designed to build highly customized drinks faster and more consistently while allowing team members to spend more time with guests. From self-order kiosks and QR-driven drink production to training, retention, supply chain efficiency, K-pop collaborations, and the human side of hospitality, this conversation looks at what it takes to turn a global tea brand into a scalable restaurant platform. Is boba tea a fad? Chris explains why the category is here to stay — and why great operations, great people, and a consistent product matter as much as the drink itself. Episode Credits:Produced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Boba is no longer a niche menu item. On this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Chris Noffze, Director of Direct Franchising and Operations at Gong cha Americas, joins Jimmy and Schatzy to break down how Gong cha is scaling bubble tea in a cold, customizable beverage market that continues to pull in younger consumers.

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Boba Isn’t a Fad: How Gong cha Is Scaling Bubble Tea With Automation

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This episode is 26 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 23, 2026.

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Chris Noffze, Director of Direct Franchising and Operations at Gong cha Americas, takes us inside Gong cha’s franchise growth strategy, simplified operations, and Gong cha 2.0 including Super Wu, the beverage automation system designed to build...

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