Gong Cha relaunch: Case seeking clarity on prepaid cards, timeline for reopening in Singapore

SINGAPORE – The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) is seeking clarity on matters relating to Gong Cha’s relaunch in 2026 after the bubble tea brand shut all its stores here.

Case president Melvin Yong said in a Facebook post on Oct 3 that the association has reached out to Gong Cha Global to clarify if customers holding prepaid or gift cards will be able to obtain refunds, or if unutilised value can be redeemed, when the franchise reopens.

The consumer watchdog is also requesting that Gong Cha Global provide a clearer timeline on when the franchise will reopen in Singapore.

Mr Yong advised customers to keep detailed records of any prepaid balances or gift card purchases. Those who need help may contact Case on 6277-5100.

Gong Cha officially ceased operations in Singapore as at Oct 2, after it took down its local social media accounts and website and shuttered its shops.

But in a statement on the evening of Oct 2, the Taiwanese bubble tea giant’s global chief executive, Mr Paul Reynish, said the brand

intends to relaunch in Singapore in 2026

with new franchisees and a new store design – also known as Gong Cha 2.0.

Gong Cha Singapore was

no longer the franchisee

of the Gong Cha brand here from Oct 1, its chief executive, Mr Kang Puay Seng, told Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao in a statement on Oct 2.

The statement also carried an assurance from the company to all stakeholders that all issues arising from the closure would be handled responsibly and fairly.