Thirstea Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Thirstea offers a variety of bubble tea beverages, providing a refreshing and customizable drink experience with high-quality ingredients.

ThirsTea is a fast-casual beverage franchise specializing in bubble tea, smoothies, milkshakes, slushies, and rolled ice cream. Founded in 2019 in Temecula, California, by Keerthy Sunder and Sonny Paul, the brand has rapidly expanded, launching its franchising program in 2023.

With its headquarters at 27287 Nicolas Rd., Temecula, CA 92591, ThirsTea has established a presence in multiple U.S. states and is seeking to grow internationally. ThirsTea offers a diverse menu that includes classic milk teas, fruit-infused teas, smoothies, milkshakes, slushies, and rolled ice creams.

Customers can customize their drinks by choosing sugar levels, toppings, and milk types, catering to various dietary preferences. The brand emphasizes quality by sourcing premium ingredients, including freshly brewed teas, organic milk options, and natural fruit flavors.

What sets ThirsTea apart is its commitment to innovation and customer engagement. The franchise regularly updates its menu with seasonal and limited-edition flavors, keeping the offerings fresh and exciting.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Travel/Living Expenses While Training $2,500 - $4,000
Furniture and Fixtures $10,000 - $20,000
Signage $3,000 - $6,000
Equipment $35,000 - $45,000
Business Management and Technology System $3,700
Three Month’s Rent $2,500 - $13,500
Opening Inventory and Supplies $15,000 - $20,000
Utility Deposits $1,500 - $2,500
Business Licenses $1,000 - $1,500
Professional Fees $3,500 - $7,500
Leasehold Improvements $35,000 - $55,000
Insurance $400 - $3,000
Grand Opening Marketing $5,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $25,000 - $35,000
Total $177,600 - $256,200
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Travel/Living Expenses While Training $2,500 - $4,000
Furniture and Fixtures $10,000 - $20,000
Signage $3,000 - $6,000
Equipment $35,000 - $45,000
Business Management and Technology System $3,700
Three Month’s Rent $2,500 - $13,500
Opening Inventory and Supplies $15,000 - $20,000
Utility Deposits $1,500 - $2,500
Business Licenses $1,000 - $1,500
Professional Fees $3,500 - $7,500
Leasehold Improvements $35,000 - $55,000
Insurance $400 - $3,000
Grand Opening Marketing $5,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $25,000 - $35,000
Total $177,600 - $256,200

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Thirstea

key competitors in the

Coffee & Tea

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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0

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

$35,000

$178,000

$256,000

n.a.

$439,000

$xxx,xxx

72.9%

xx%

n.a.

23.4%

xx%

n.a.

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Training

Thirstea by Brain Tune Cafe offers a structured set of training programs to prepare franchisees for operating a Boba Tea Shop. The training and support are delivered before and during business operations, as outlined below:

  1. Initial Training Program
    Franchisees are required to enroll in and complete training programs prior to opening their shop. These programs cover essential operational skills needed to manage the franchise effectively.
  2. Operating Assistance
    Ongoing guidance is provided for food and beverage preparation, packaging, administrative tasks, and inventory control. This ensures the franchisee adheres to brand standards and can handle daily operations smoothly.
  3. Problem-Solving Support
    The franchisor offers advice on operating issues identified through reports or inspections. This support helps maintain operational quality across all locations.
  4. Additional Training Programs
    Franchisees may be required to attend further training sessions beyond the initial program. These are designed to address new practices or reinforce existing standards.

Territory Protection

Thirstea by Brain Tune Cafe offers a form of territory protection through a designated “Protected Territory,” as outlined in its Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are granted a non-exclusive right to operate a Boba Tea Shop within this specified area, and the franchisor agrees not to open or license another Thirstea location there as long as the franchisee complies with all terms.

This provides a certain level of operational security within the outlined boundaries.

However, this protection comes with several exceptions. The franchisor reserves the right to open outlets or authorize operations at Non-Traditional Sites like airports, stadiums, hospitals, and campuses, even within the Protected Territory.

Competitors

Kahala Coffee Traders

Kahala Coffee Traders is a coffee shop franchise serving premium coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and baked goods, backed by franchisor support, extensive training, and efficient operational systems.

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$88,000 - $517,000

It's Boba Time

It's Boba Time is a beverage franchise specializing in bubble tea and other specialty drinks. With a diverse menu and a focus on high-quality ingredients, it caters to a wide customer base seeking unique and flavorful beverages.

Franchisees

?

76
+
62%
62%
Investment

?

$466,000 - $597,000

7 Leaves

7 Leaves Cafe is a beverage franchise offering a variety of teas, coffees, and specialty drinks. It focuses on using fresh ingredients and traditional brewing methods to create authentic flavors.

Franchisees

?

14
+
17%
17%
Investment

?

$244,000 - $490,000

Junbi

Junbi is a fast-casual beverage franchise specializing in matcha-based drinks. It combines traditional Japanese tea culture with modern flavors, aiming to provide health-conscious options in a contemporary setting.

Franchisees

?

5
+
150%
150%
Investment

?

$269,000 - $576,000

Black Rifle Coffee

Black Rifle Coffee Company is a veteran-owned coffee franchise that offers premium coffee blends. It targets customers who appreciate a patriotic brand identity and supports veteran causes through its business operations.

Franchisees

?

18
+
125%
125%
Investment

?

$1,594,000 - $3,314,000

Qargo Coffee

Qargo Coffee is a specialty coffee franchise focused on premium beverages and a modern, inviting café atmosphere, aiming to deliver high-quality coffee experiences.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$155,000 - $299,000