TeaCupFuls
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,350-2,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 20
The Oregon-based TeaCupFuls began franchising in July of 2022 and the brand is currently seeking franchisees across the country. TeaCupFuls is specifically targeting states with warmer climates, such as Florida. The chain is known for its specialty artisan boba teas, as well as coffees, and offers a rotating menu of drinks that can be customized with unique add-ons, such as suckers, Pocky, cotton candy, mints and other sweet treats. The brand looks for space in regional malls and shopping centers.
Meet Fresh
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,400-3,400 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 5-10
The Taiwanese dessert chain, which opened its first unit in the U.S. nine years ago, now has 43 units and expanded into the new state of Florida in 2022. Expect more growth in the Sunshine State, in addition to other states where the brand is still underpenetrated, including Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Maine and Michigan. Known for its wide selection of traditional Taiwanese desserts and drinks, Meet Fresh seeks downtown, street-front and shopping center spaces in areas with a large Asian population.
Voodoo Doughnut
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,000-3,250 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 2-5
The Oregon-based doughnut brand opened five units in 2022, and now has locations in Oregon, Texas, Florida, Washington, Colorado and California. Look for upcoming units in Boulder, Colo., and Austin, as well as rumored growth into Nashville, Tenn. Voodoo Doughnut is known for its gourmet doughnuts, including a large vegan menu, and seeks sites in shopping centers, airports, grocery-anchored centers and freestanding pads.
Bagel Boss
Preferred Sq. Footage: 2,400-3,200 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 1-5
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Bagel Boss beefed up its franchising efforts and developed an updated prototype that can accommodate multiple sites. As of 2022, Bagel Boss expanded outside of its home state of New York to open its first unit in a new state, in Teaneck, N.J. The brand continues to also open units in New York, most recently in Long Island. In operation for 48 years, Bagel Boss looks for space in shopping centers with sufficient parking and ample drive-by traffic.
Sencha Tea Bar
Preferred Sq. Footage: 1,000-2,000 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 1-3
Sencha Tea Bar, based in Minnesota, expanded into its second state with a unit in Madison, Wisc., which opened in the summer of 2022. Future growth is expected to take place in more Midwest markets. The brand can accommodate multiple sites, such as downtown street front, lifestyle centers, food courts and regional shopping centers. Sencha Tea Bar is known for its large selection of loose-leaf teas, bubble teas and premium teas from all over the world.
Catch’n Ice Cream
Preferred Sq. Footage: 3,500-4,500 s.f.
12-Month Anticipated Openings: 1-3
Catch’n Ice Cream is a new store concept based on the success of the TikTok personality, Dylan Lemay, who went viral with his videos of himself literally tossing balled-up ice cream in the air. This first shop opened in Manhattan’s NoHo district and a second store in Michigan is expected in the future. MG2/ The Lionesque Group, a retail management company, is helping with the expansion goals. The ice cream shop is experiential, with customers having the option to try to “catch” balled-up ice cream in their cup as an employee tosses the treat toward them. Downtown and street-front sites are desired.
