Bubble Tea Giant Gong Cha Arrives March 31

Gong Cha — one of the world’s largest bubble tea chains — will make its D.C. area debut this month in Rockville, Maryland, with at least three more new area locations planned through the summer.

The grand opening of the first store (1800 Rockville Pike) is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, complete with traditional lion dancers and specials for customers. The made-to-order bubble tea company has another location slated for New York Avenue in D.C., as well as one on Terrapin Row in College Park. Another is destined for an incoming Asian food hall in Rockville called the Spot, located inside a mixed-use site near Rockville Town Square.

The expansion proves D.C.’s love for Taiwanese bubble tea is only continuing to grow. Gong Cha has planted more than 1,500 locations worldwide since its founding in 2006. Stateside, the brand is also expanding like crazy in Austin.