Gong Cha Global says S'pore store closures temporary, to relaunch in 2026 as Gong Cha 2.0

Gong Cha abruptly shut its stores in Singapore on Oct. 1.

Its social media accounts were deleted, and in an Oct. 2 statement by its CEO, confirmed that Gong Cha (Singapore) Pte Ltd "has ceased to be the Singapore franchisee of the Gong Cha brand".

Did not renew agreement

However, a subsequent media statement by Gong Cha Global shared that it had just temporarily shut stores in Singapore.

Gong Cha Global announced that it has decided not to renew its current agreement with its incumbent master franchisee.

It plans to relaunch in Singapore in 2026 in partnership with new local franchisees.

With this relaunch, Gong Cha will have new "technology-led" store designs, dubbed Gong Cha 2.0, which "brings a scalable, adaptable and welcoming store look-and-feel".

The new technology will also reduce customer wait times and improve overall customer experience, the statement said.

Gong Cha 2.0 has thus far been rolled out in South Korea and Japan

“Singapore is a really important market for us, and we’re really excited about relaunching in 2026," Paul Reynish, Global CEO of Gong Cha, said.

He added that the brand will bring this concept to Singapore next year.

Reynish also thanked Gong Cha employees in Singapore for their hard work and commitment over the years.

"Finally, to Gong cha lovers across the country: this is not a goodbye, but rather a ‘see you soon!’. We will be back in 2026 with an even bolder, more innovative and more exciting proposition.”

Top photo from Musho Pea/Google Maps