Franchise
Pioneer your success with American first boba tea Franchise
25 years of excellent since 1999
Tapioca Express, Inc. Recognized in Los Angeles Business Journal’s Franchise 30
Meet Our Founders
Meet Our Founder: Wayne Lin
Passionate Innovator. Quality Advocate. Visionary Since 1999.
Wayne Lin founded Tapioca Express in 1999 with a simple yet powerful vision: to share high-quality, trend-forward Taiwanese tea culture with communities across the United States. Born in Taiwan and raised in Los Angeles, Wayne blends the best of both worlds—traditional flavors with modern American tastes.
With a deep dedication to food and beverage innovation, Wayne personally developed the brand’s proprietary recipes for over 150 drinks and snacks. From handcrafted milk teas to bold fusion bites, his creations continue to define Tapioca Express’s signature taste.
Driven by a passion for quality and wellness, Wayne is always ahead of the curve—introducing healthier options and staying on top of emerging food trends. His commitment to excellence ensures that every Tapioca Express location delivers not only delicious flavors but also consistency and authenticity.
More than just a founder, Wayne is the heart behind the brand.
Being business owners has given us financial security and the freedom to manage our own schedules. We’ve built a great team and trained managers so we’re not tied to the store every day, which gives us a great work-life balance.
What sets Tapioca Express apart is their flexibility and lower startup and royalty fees compared to other franchises. Plus, our customers love signature items like the Snow Bubble, Yogurt Frost, and our famous Crispy Popcorn Chicken—it’s a customer favorite that keeps people coming back.
Stephanie Hsueh
A VISIONARY'S JOURNEY: FROM PASSION TO INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
In 1999, Stephanie personally developed every recipe, carefully selecting each ingredient to create the perfect fusion of traditional Asian flavors and American tastes. Starting with our first store in Alhambra, California, Tapioca Express became America’s first boba tea and Asian snack food franchise.
With the booming demand for boba tea and Asian snacks across America, Tapioca Express offers franchisees a unique opportunity to join an established brand in a growing market. Our diverse menu of milk teas, smoothies, frostis, and Asian snacks has proven appeal across multiple demographics.
Ready to build your future with America’s most experienced boba tea franchise? Join the brand that pioneered the industry and continues to lead through innovation, quality, and proven success.
20+ Years Reliable Experience
are your top choice for launching a bubble tea
franchise.
Unique Ingredients, Wide Range
exclusive, popular ingredients. Our monthly signature
drinks set boba tea trends in the US.
Grand Opening Support
assistance and marketing support, complete with materials
and a proven social media strategy.
Expert Training Program
all aspects of food, drink, business, and operations to
ensure franchisee success.
20+ Years Reliable Experience
Unique Ingredients, Wide Range
Grand Opening Support
Expert Training Program
WHY FRANCHISE WITH US?
Enjoy a hassle-free supply chain that keeps your shelves stocked and your focus on sales.Offer over 150 choices, from creamy milk teas to savory snacks, appealing to every palate.
Benefit from comprehensive training and tailored marketing support to shine in the market.Leap into business with low startup and operational costs, maximizing your investment potential.Explore the rewarding opportunities at Tapioca Express and become part of a thriving community.
What are the next steps
a. Fill out our Franchise Application(s) and email it back to us.
b. To proceed with your application, we require $25 (per applicant) to run you and/or your partner’s credit report. After you fill out the application forms, please contact our sales team and pay here. Please note that the $25 is non-refundable. Pay Now.
c. Provide your personal financial statements for the past 6-month to Tapioca Express Inc. Tapioca Express requires applicants to show a total of $200,000~$250,000 in liquid assets.
d. Tapioca Express will review your application and may request you to provide additional information, if necessary.
a. Meet with our Franchise Manager (in person or via video call) for an in-depth overview of TE’s franchise concept and franchise system.
b. Qualification, evaluation, and approval will be determined.
c. Review our FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document).
d. Sign our Franchise Agreement.
a. Review the criteria for location selection.
b. Arrange site visits and submit your letter of intent.
c. Review and sign the lease for your location.
a. Receive our TE spec book.
b. A complete site floor plan will need to be approved by TE.
c. A complete site plan must be approved by the local government.
d. Begin construction work at the site.
e. Receive training from our Restaurant Operations Team while your store is being built. You will also receive a TE operations manual.
a. During this period, you will start training store employees.
b. Pass all of the inspections from local governmental agencies.
c. Receive 1-2 days of store opening support from TE headquarters during your Soft Opening.
d. Your store officially opens with a grand opening.
e. TE Headquarters will conduct a store audit.
Testimonials
Hear what franchise owners at Tapioca Express have to say about working with our franchise.
We’ve been with Tapioca Express since 2004 and owning our two stores has truly been one of the best decisions we’ve made. We started with no experience in food or boba, but TapEx guided us every step of the way—from helping us find a location, to buildout, training, and operations. Their support made it so much easier to open and run our stores successfully. Being business owners has given us financial security and the freedom to manage our own schedules. We’ve built a great team and trained managers so we’re not tied to the store every day, which gives us a great work-life balance. What sets Tapioca Express apart is their flexibility and lower startup and royalty fees compared to other franchises. Plus, our customers love signature items like the Snow Bubble, Yogurt Frost, and our famous Crispy Popcorn Chicken—it’s a customer favorite that keeps people coming back.
Opening a Tapioca Express has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The brand’s strong reputation, popular menu, especially the crispy chicken and authentic Taiwanese drinks and loyal customer base made it an easy choice. What I appreciate most is the balance of support and independence. The corporate team provided hands-on training and ongoing guidance, while still allowing me the freedom to run my store my way. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m proud to be part of the Tapioca Express family.
We’ve been with Tapioca Express since 2004 and owning our two stores has truly been one of the best decisions we’ve made. We started with no experience in food or boba, but TapEx guided us every step of the way—from helping us find a location, to buildout, training, and operations. Their support made it so much easier to open and run our stores successfully. Being business owners has given us financial security and the freedom to manage our own schedules. We’ve built a great team and trained managers so we’re not tied to the store every day, which gives us a great work-life balance. What sets Tapioca Express apart is their flexibility and lower startup and royalty fees compared to other franchises. Plus, our customers love signature items like the Snow Bubble, Yogurt Frost, and our famous Crispy Popcorn Chicken—it’s a customer favorite that keeps people coming back.
Contact Us for more information
Franchise Inquiry Form
Work Hours
- Everyday 10 AM - 9 PM
