Tapioca Express

The Tapioca Express franchise is a fast-casual concept that specializes in boba, teas, and snacks. The brand was established by Wayne and Stephanie, who are passionate about their Taiwanese heritage, in San Gabriel Valley, Calif., in 1999. This made Tapioca Express one of the very first boba chains in the U.S. Since its inception, Tapioca Express has harvested the finest ingredients from Taiwan. Over time, Tapioca Express expanded across California and into other states, including Washington, Texas, and Virginia. Franchisees can add revenue to their business with online orders. You can expect an initial training program that is broken down into classroom and on-the-job training. You'll learn what is required to run the business.  

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Tapioca Express

Tapioca Express Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024

Background

Over time, boba franchises have gained popularity. A brand that did it before anyone else is Tapioca Express. Tapioca Express was founded in 1999 in San Gabriel Valley, Calif., by Wayne and Stephanie, who are passionate about their Taiwanese heritage. Since it was established, the brand has harvested the finest ingredients from Taiwan and expanded across California, Washington, Texas, and Virginia. A way for franchisees to add revenue to their business is with online orders. You can expect an initial training program that is broken down into classroom and on-the-job training. You'll learn what is required to run the business. Over time, the brand has earned accolades, including the Asian Business Association Award. In 2007, the brand announced its first dessert item, the Yogurt Frost, which is a yogurt drink topped with fresh fruits. A year later, Tapioca Express launched its first campus location in the University of California, San Diego. In 2013, the company's R&D team developed the Chi Chi Fries, a combination of crispy chicken, cheese, and fries drizzled with secret sauce. This item became the brand's best seller of 2013.
Tapioca Express signed Walmart’s master lease in 2017, which resulted in the company's first Walmart location in Frisco. The company partnered with UberEats to offer food delivery services at its store locations, in 2018. The brand recently launched the Sea Salt Cheese Foam and Tiramisu Foam Series by using fat-free milk and Pink Himalayan Salt. It’s always made to order for freshness. Candidates are passionate about providing great customer service and have business savvy. 

Company Details

Headquarters: South El Monte, CA 91733
Founded: 1999
First franchise: 2000
International: No
Canada: No
Absentee:  Yes
Exclusive territory: Yes
Home-based/mobile: No
B2B: No

Support and Training Offered By Tapioca Express

You can expect an initial training program that is broken down into classroom and on-the-job training. You'll learn what is required to run the business. This includes hiring, food prep, marketing and advertising, and more. You'll also be provided with site selection and buildout assistance as well as grand opening support. This support and training are ongoing. 

2024 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a Tapioca Express Franchise.

What does a Tapioca Express Franchise Cost?

Tapioca Express franchise fees for 2024:

Liquid assets: $200,000 - $250,000 
Initial investment: $200,000 - $527,000
Royalty fee: 2.5% monthly
Cash Requirement: $200,000 
Financing Options: Yes

Is Tapioca Express a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. Tapioca Express is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is Tapioca Express a Home Based franchise?

No. Tapioca Express is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do Tapioca Express Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much Tapioca Express franchisees make. Tapioca Express offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Does Tapioca Express Offer a Veteran Discount?

No. Tapioca Express franchise does not offer a veteran discount.

Is Tapioca Express Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. Tapioca Express franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is Tapioca Express Looking for International franchisees?

No. Tapioca Express franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see Tapioca Express's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Food & Restaurants

Number of Units Open

20-50 UNITS

Cash Required

$100,000 - $250,000

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

Veteran Discount

No

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

Tapioca Express Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing Tapioca Express franchises for sale. We may have Tapioca Express franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

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