New bubble tea shop opening in South Portland

Gong cha, a Taiwanese-style bubble tea shop chain, is opening a franchise location on Running Hill Road on Saturday. Located in the shopping plaza at 200 Running Hill Road, the new Gong cha will sell freshly brewed teas, milk teas, fruit teas and customizable beverages. The brand has nearly 2,200 locations around the world. The new location is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Tafari and Nhi Thomas, multi-unit franchise operators. “Gong cha combines a premium product, passionate customer following and operational simplicity in a way that’s incredibly compelling,” said Tafari Thomas. “We’re excited to introduce the brand to Maine and create a destination where guests can experience bubble tea at its best.” The bubble tea shop will be open seven days from 10 a.m., closing at 8 p.m. on Sundays and 9 p.m. the rest of the week. Copy the Story Link Tagged: [maine restaurant](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/maine-restaurant/), [the wrap](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/the-wrap/) [](https://www.pressherald.com/author/timothy-cebula) [Tim CebulaStaff Writer](https://www.pressherald.com/author/timothy-cebula) Tim Cebula has been a food writer and editor for 23 years. A former correspondent for The Boston Globe food section, his work has appeared in Time, Health, Food & Wine, CNN.com, and Boston magazine,. [More by Tim Cebula](https://www.pressherald.com/author/timothy-cebula)