Daboba
Food & Beverage · Coffee & Tea
Description
What is Daboba?
What sets Daboba apart is their commitment to quality and authenticity. Their signature roasted brown sugar series and unique drink creations have earned them a devoted following, with customers particularly praising their perfectly chewy house-made boba pearls and balanced sweetness levels. The menu features an impressive array of options, from classic milk teas to innovative yogurt drinks, fruit teas, and their popular cheese foam topped beverages.
Each Daboba location is thoughtfully designed with a contemporary, welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to linger and relax. The spacious, modern interiors feature comfortable seating arrangements, making it an ideal spot for both social gatherings and remote work. Their attention to aesthetic detail extends to their beverage presentation, with Instagram-worthy drinks that taste as good as they look.
The brand places a strong emphasis on customer service, with staff members known for their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to guide customers through their extensive menu options. Daboba's customization options, including adjustable sweetness levels and various toppings, ensure that every customer can create their perfect drink.
As a franchise opportunity, Daboba represents the growing bubble tea market's evolution from a niche offering to a mainstream beverage choice, with locations successfully operating across various markets.
- Lower investment requirements than coffee & tea sector average
- Established bubble tea concept in trending beverage category
- Emerging franchise system with growth potential since 2018
- 22 active units demonstrating operational viability
- Accessible entry point for first-time franchisees
- Positioned in high-demand customizable beverage market
Location Analysis
Where Daboba wins
The current geographic footprint suggests a focus on coastal markets and major urban centers, with potential for significant expansion in the Midwest and Southeast regions. California's successful market performance indicates strong market fit in areas with diverse, young populations and established Asian-American communities. The concentration in tech-hub cities (Boston, Bay Area) suggests optimal performance in markets with higher disposable income and appreciation for premium beverage concepts.
Ideal locations for new franchisees should target areas with high foot traffic, proximity to universities or business districts, and demographics skewing towards millennials and Gen Z. The brand's success in varied markets from Virginia to Washington state demonstrates adaptability across different regional preferences, though careful consideration should be given to local bubble tea competition and Asian beverage market saturation when selecting new locations.
Loading map...
Is your territory available?
Let's find out.
We'll take you through a few quick questions, then Daboba confirms availability directly.
Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Daboba
The bubble tea market has experienced robust growth driven by younger demographics' preference for customizable, Instagram-worthy beverages and the broader trend toward experiential dining. However, the market faces increasing saturation in metropolitan areas, requiring careful territory selection and demographic analysis.
As a relatively young franchise established in 2018 with 22 active units, Daboba represents an emerging system still building brand recognition and operational infrastructure. While this offers potential for early-market positioning, it also presents risks associated with unproven scalability and limited franchisor track record compared to established competitors. Revenue data is not currently available, which limits financial performance assessment typical for emerging franchise systems.
The investment structure likely includes equipment, initial inventory, signage, and working capital, though specific liquid capital requirements and franchise fee breakdowns aren't disclosed in available data. Prospective investors should expect moderate operational complexity involving inventory management, staff training on specialized preparation techniques, and maintaining product consistency.
Ideal candidates include entrepreneurs with food service experience and access to high-traffic locations near colleges or urban centers with diverse demographics. Multi-unit development potential exists in underserved markets, though investors should carefully evaluate local competition and conduct thorough FDD review given the system's developmental stage.
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
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $217,500 to $503,000. The midpoint $360,250 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
2023 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Daboba's 2023 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Daboba franchise typically ranges between $217,500.00 and $503,000.00. 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 2023. 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.
Franchises for you
Brands worth comparing
Other brands in the same vertical and investment band — recommendations based on what you've explored.
