Boba Time

Boba Time

Information based on 2022 FDD

Food & Beverage · Other Food & Beverage

Investment min
$469K
Total: $469K–$594K
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2022
Franchise fee
$45K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
5%
of gross revenue
Locations
61
Franchising since 2011

Description

What is Boba Time?

Boba Time has emerged as a distinctive player in the bubble tea and beverage industry since 2003, bringing authentic Asian-inspired refreshments to communities across multiple locations. With a focus on quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations, Boba Time offers franchisees the opportunity to tap into the rapidly growing bubble tea market.

The franchise has built its reputation on creating a modern, welcoming atmosphere where customers can enjoy handcrafted beverages and experience the unique culture surrounding boba tea. Their menu features a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary drink options, catering to both boba enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

What sets Boba Time apart is their commitment to maintaining consistent quality while adapting to local market preferences. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model that includes comprehensive training programs, ongoing operational support, and established supplier relationships. The brand's streamlined operations and efficient systems help owners maximize productivity while delivering exceptional customer service.

As the bubble tea trend continues to gain momentum in the American beverage market, Boba Time positions itself as more than just a drink shop – it's a cultural destination that brings communities together. The brand's growth strategy focuses on sustainable expansion while maintaining the authentic experience that customers have come to expect. For entrepreneurs looking to enter the food and beverage industry, Boba Time offers a unique opportunity to be part of a growing movement in specialty beverages while building a successful business in their local community.
  • 20+ years operational experience since 2003
  • Premium bubble tea and healthy beverage focus
  • 67 active units demonstrating system stability
  • Investment significantly above sub-sector average indicating premium positioning
  • Specialized Asian-inspired beverage menu
  • Established presence in growing bubble tea market

Location Analysis

Where Boba Time wins

Boba Time maintains a growing presence across multiple states with numerous locations, demonstrating a strategic multi-regional expansion approach. The franchise shows strong penetration in California, with notable presence in Rhode Island and Indiana, while maintaining established operations across several other states including New Jersey, New York, Washington, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. This diversified footprint suggests a measured expansion strategy targeting both coastal and midwest markets.

The franchise's impressive above-average rating across numerous customer reviews indicates strong operational execution and customer satisfaction across its diverse geographic locations. This consistent performance suggests effective market adaptation and robust quality control practices.

Boba Time's presence in both coastal states (CA, RI, NY, NJ, WA, MA) and inland regions (IN, WI, OK) indicates a versatile business model that succeeds in various market conditions. The brand appears to thrive in markets with diverse demographics, particularly in areas with strong urban centers and educational institutions. The franchise also shows potential international market interest, as indicated by overseas location activity.

For prospective franchisees, ideal locations should prioritize areas with median household incomes above $60,000, significant young adult populations (18-35), and robust retail corridors. The current geographic distribution suggests opportunities for expansion in underserved regions between existing locations, particularly in the Northeast, Midwest, and along the West Coast.
Total US locations
67
Franchise units
61
Corporate locations
6
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Boba Time

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$469,000 – $593,500
Investment midpoint$531,250
Brand fund2%
Royalty5%
Franchise fee$45,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Boba Time requires a $469,000-$593,500 investment, positioning it as a premium entry in the food and beverage sector. This investment range significantly exceeds the sub-sector average of $210,893-$461,179, reflecting the specialized nature of bubble tea operations and premium positioning. The elevated capital requirements suggest comprehensive buildout costs, specialized equipment for tea preparation, and premium location positioning.

The bubble tea market benefits from strong millennial and Gen Z consumer adoption, with Asian-inspired beverages experiencing sustained growth across diverse demographics. Boba Time focuses on healthy bubble tea offerings, capitalizing on the growing demand for customizable, Instagram-worthy beverages.

With 67 units and 20+ years of operation since 2003, Boba Time demonstrates moderate system maturity and measured expansion. This unit count suggests selective growth and careful market development. Revenue data is not available for comparison against the sub-sector average of $260,970.

The premium investment level requires substantial capital qualifications, making this opportunity suitable for well-capitalized investors with food service experience. The specialized nature of bubble tea preparation requires dedicated operational expertise and quality control systems.

Prospective investors should possess significant liquid capital and restaurant industry background. The specialized beverage focus demands thorough training in tea preparation and customer service. Investors should conduct comprehensive due diligence given the elevated investment requirements relative to sub-sector averages.
Did you know? Did you know that launching your own Boba Time franchise - bringing those Instagram-worthy bubble teas and trendy Asian beverages to your community - requires a total investment between $469,000 and $593,500, which covers everything from the $45,000 franchise fee to equipment, buildout, and working capital needed to start serving those addictive tapioca pearls on day one?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$469K–$594K
Most common
$469,000
Minimum
$531,250
Midpoint
$593,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $469,000 to $593,500. The midpoint $531,250 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+26% YoY
80644832160
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
67 units open as of 2022 FDD+14 in last 12 mo

2022 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Boba Time's 2022 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2022 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Boba Time franchise typically ranges between $469,000.00 and $593,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2022. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Boba Time
Boba Time
N/A avg revenue · 61+ US franchises

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