Tapioca Express is a Taiwanese-American fast-casual franchise specializing in bubble tea, coffee, fruit juices, slushes, and light snacks. Founded in 1999 by Wayne and Stephanie in Alhambra, California, the brand was among the first to introduce boba drinks to the U.S. market.

Headquartered in South El Monte, California, Tapioca Express began franchising in 2000 and has since expanded to various states, including California, Washington, Texas, and Virginia.

The franchise offers an extensive menu featuring over 150 items, including flavored teas, milk teas, snow bubbles, icy drinks, juices, flavored milk, tea slushes, tea lemonades, yogurt frosts, coffees, and cheese foam series.

Tapioca Express differentiates itself through its commitment to quality, using top-of-the-line ingredients sourced from Taiwan.

Training

Tapioca Express provides a detailed and structured training program designed to ensure consistent and effective operation of its franchised cafés. The training encompasses both initial and ongoing components to maintain quality and compliance with brand standards.

1. Initial Training Program
   The initial training is mandatory and must be completed within 45 days of the scheduled or actual business commencement date. It is held at designated training facilities in California and lasts approximately one week. It includes classroom and on-the-job training, covering topics such as operations, food safety, POS systems, customer service, and store management.
2. Supplemental Training
   Franchisees may request or be required to attend supplemental training, which can occur on-site or remotely. This is typically mandated when the franchise is not meeting operational standards or when a new operating manager is hired. The franchisor charges a supplemental training fee of $300 per trainer per day, plus travel and lodging costs.
3. System-Wide and Refresher Training
   Tapioca Express may require attendance at system-wide training programs or refresher courses. These are designed to update franchisees on system changes and maintain brand consistency. Attendance costs, including travel and lodging, are borne by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Tapioca Express provides franchisees with a “Designated Territory,” which is generally a ½ mile radius around the approved Café Location. This area may vary in size depending on geographic and demographic factors, and it can be smaller in non-traditional locations like malls or airports.

While the franchisor commits not to open another Tapioca Express Café in this territory during the agreement term—so long as the franchisee is compliant—this protection is conditional and non-exclusive.

The franchisor retains broad “Reserved Rights,” allowing it to sell products through various channels like online platforms, supermarkets, or alternative trademarks even within the Designated Territory.