own your future with
Tapioca express
Based on Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
WHY FRANCHISE WITH TAPIOCA EXPRESS?
We offer a wide selection of drinks and snacks featuringexclusive, popular ingredients. Our monthly signature
drinks set boba tea trends in the US.
High-Volume
A diverse menu across 15+ categories, including beverages and snacks, supports higher ticket sizes, repeat visits, and consistent daily volume.
Proven System
Refined operations backed by 25+ years of real-world experience, designed for consistency and scalability.
Lead-Tested Boba
Our tapioca pearls are independently tested by a certified U.S. laboratory and confirmed below detectable limits for lead. Report
Direct Supply & U.S. Logistics
Direct sourcing from origin and U.S. manufacturers, supported by U.S.-based warehousing, enables stable supply and competitive costs.
Ongoing Support
Training, marketing, supply chain coordination, and operational guidance provided by our headquarters team.
Brand Heritage
One of the first U.S. bubble tea franchise brands, founded in 1999 with a long-standing market presence.
A PROVEN SYSTEM, A TRUSTED BRAND
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
Founded on Quality. Built for Longevity.
Stephanie Lin
Wayne Lin
Tapioca Express was founded in 1999 by Wayne Lin and Stephanie Lin with a commitment to quality beverages, thoughtful menu development, and disciplined operations.
Today, Wayne and Stephanie Lin remain actively involved in guiding brand direction, product standards, and long-term strategy, ensuring consistency and sustainable growth across the franchise system.
OUR FRANCHISE ADVANTAGES
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
With 20+ years in food & beverage, our experts are your top choice for launching a bubble tea franchise.
Unique Ingredients, Wide Range
We offer a wide selection of drinks and snacks featuring exclusive, popular ingredients. Our monthly signature drinks set boba tea trends in the US.
Grand Opening Support
For your grand opening, we provide 1-2 days of on-site assistance and marketing support, complete with materials and a proven social media strategy.
Expert Training Program
We offer a thorough 5-8 day training program covering all aspects of food, drink, business, and operations to ensure franchisee success.
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.
I opened my Tapioca Express store in Cerritos back in 2002, and it’s been an incredible 23-year journey. Being part of TapEx has given me something priceless—financial freedom and the ability to run my own business with confidence. Over the years, I’ve seen the brand grow and evolve, and I’m proud to have been a part of that story from early on. What makes Tapioca Express special isn’t just the drinks or the brand—it’s the people. The company truly treats us like family. Whenever I’ve faced challenges, I could count on the franchisor for support and guidance. The leadership is thoughtful, experienced, and genuinely cares about the success of each store. Even after more than two decades, I’m still excited to run my store and serve my community. For anyone thinking about joining the TapEx family, I can honestly say it’s a decision that can change your life—in all the best ways
Contact Us for more information
Franchise Development Office - (888)887-1616
Franchise Inquiry Form
Lead Free
Based on recent tests performed by an independent lab Tentamus, our boba has been found to be lead free.
Work Hours
- Everyday 10 AM - 9 PM
Tapioca Express harvests the finest ingredients from Taiwan and provides quality teas, boba, and snacks to our customers.
Warning
PROPOSITION 65
Certain foods and beverages sold or served here, and other exposure sources such as packaging, utensils, furniture, surfaces, or receipt paper, can expose you to chemicals including DEHP in certain plastics and BPS in receipt paper, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/restaurant
