A fresh store launch in WA that highlights the growing demand for Chatime and the opportunity for new franchise partners.
Western Australia just got a fresh pour of Chatime energy with the opening of the new Ocean Keys store in Clarkson. The location has been refreshed under new ownership and opened to the public as one of the most anticipated additions to the northern corridor.
For shoppers, it is a new place to grab their favourite iced tea, fruit tea or pearls.
For franchise buyers, it is something much bigger.
The Ocean Keys opening signals that Chatime is actively expanding in WA. It proves consumer demand is rising and that the brand is backing strong franchise partners in high performing centres.
If you have been watching the bubble tea space or considering a franchise move, this is the moment to pay attention. Ocean Keys is more than a store launch. It is a snapshot of where Australia is heading and why Chatime continues to lead.
Read more: Discover why the market is booming in our guide to bubble tea franchise opportunities in Australia .
A New Chapter at Ocean Keys: Fresh Store, New Ownership, Strong Foot Traffic
Chatime Ocean Keys has launched as a newly opened and refreshed store inside one of Perth’s busiest suburban shopping centres. Ocean Keys is a hub for families, students and weekend shoppers and the foot traffic is consistent. In locations like this, beverage brands that offer convenience and customisation tend to perform exceptionally well.
Chatime’s choice to open and hand over this location to new franchise ownership shows the confidence the brand has in the WA market. When a brand with more than 165 stores across Australia selects a centre like Ocean Keys for expansion, it is for one reason. Demand is growing.
Why Bubble Tea Is Surging in Australia
Bubble tea is no longer a newcomer in the Australian beverage scene. It is now a strong and fast-growing category supported by younger demographics, multicultural communities and consumers who want flavour variety instead of traditional soft drinks or coffee.
Here is the data that matters for investors:
The market is growing at a powerful pace
Research places the Australian bubble tea market at:
• AUD 98.63 million in 2024, with projected growth to AUD 260.5 million by 2034, according to the Australian Bubble Tea Market Report from Expert Market Research:
https://www.expertmarketresearch.com.au/reports/australia-bubble-tea-market
• A compound annual growth rate of 10.2 percent over the next decade, as outlined in the Australia Bubble Tea Industry Analysis by Grand View Research:
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/australia-bubble-tea-market-report
This growth is not speculative. It is driven by real consumer behaviour.
Younger Australians are choosing bubble tea as their go-to treat
Millennials and Gen Z are the highest purchasers of custom beverages. They want drinks that feel premium but still accessible. Fruit teas, milk teas, toppings, pearls and mix-ins offer endless variety, and that variety keeps customers coming back multiple times a week.
Shopping centres remain high-performing locations
Even as online retail grows, Australians still love physical retail. Shopping centres in suburban and regional hubs are performing strongly, especially those anchored by supermarkets and large specialty retailers. Ocean Keys fits that profile perfectly.
Bubble tea is becoming an everyday beverage
Research shows that bubble tea buyers treat it as a comfort drink, a reward, a social drink and a customisable alternative to soft drinks. That repeat purchase behaviour is gold for franchise operators.
Read more: See how Chatime is expanding nationwide in Chatime franchise growth across Australia .
Why Chatime Continues to Lead the Australian Market
Many bubble tea brands have entered Australia over the years. Very few have achieved national recognition. Chatime remains the category leader because the brand combines strong product innovation with a proven franchise model and a loyal customer base.
Here is what sets Chatime apart for franchise partners:
A brand with scale and staying power
Chatime has more than 165 locations nationally and continues to expand in high value regions like WA. That level of scale provides brand awareness, operational consistency and media visibility that independent cafes cannot match.
A menu that matches Australian tastes
Chatime’s menu is constantly evolving to match real Australian preferences. Fruit teas, milk teas, toppings and seasonal offers keep the brand relevant and customers curious. Freshness and customisation are key parts of the Chatime experience.
Strong national and local marketing
Chatime invests heavily in national campaigns, digital marketing, partnerships and seasonal promotions. New franchise partners do not have to build awareness from scratch. They join a brand that already has traction.
Training, support and operational systems
Franchise partners receive full operational training, recipe training, store processes, technology support, supply chain management and ongoing coaching. This support reduces risk and helps new owners launch with confidence.
Why WA Is Now One of the Most Attractive States for New Franchise Partners
WA has a unique advantage. The bubble tea market is growing but not yet as saturated as the east coast. That creates an environment where early franchise partners can secure premium sites and build strong local followings.
The opening of Ocean Keys confirms that WA is on Chatime’s national growth radar.
WA’s northern suburbs are expanding
Clarkson, Mindarie, Butler and surrounding suburbs are experiencing population growth, especially among younger families and students. These are prime demographics for bubble tea.
Favourable competition conditions
Chatime performs exceptionally well in major metro markets across Australia. WA now presents the next wave of opportunity, with strong population growth and plenty of high-potential locations ready for new franchise partners.
The Ocean Keys launch builds brand momentum
Every new Chatime store lifts brand awareness across the state. Ocean Keys immediately strengthens the brand’s visibility in Perth’s north, helping future locations perform even better.
High performing centre locations still available
Shopping centres remain some of the strongest revenue drivers for beverage franchises. Chatime’s entry into Ocean Keys shows that WA centres are now opening their doors to the category.
Read more: Explore available franchise investment opportunities near you .
What the Ocean Keys Launch Means for Future Franchisees
The opening at Ocean Keys sends a clear message. Chatime is committed to WA and actively planning growth. New owners are stepping into an environment where the brand is expanding, the market is growing and the demand curve is climbing.
If you have been considering a Chatime franchise, the timing has never been better.
Here is what this launch tells you:
The demand in WA is strong and rising.
Chatime is investing in new locations and new owners.
The category is far from saturated.
You can secure high-performing suburban sites before the market tightens.
You are joining a brand with proven systems and national support.
This is the combination franchise buyers usually dream of.
Looking Ahead: Where Chatime Could Grow Next in WA
Although nothing official has been announced, growth patterns suggest several suburbs and centres could become viable territories. These include areas with:
• Strong population growth
• High student numbers
• Active retail precincts
• Lower current bubble tea competition
The WA market is maturing quickly. Securing a territory now means positioning yourself ahead of the wave instead of competing after it peaks.
Ready to brew your next chapter with Chatime?
Our new Ocean Keys store is one example of how Chatime is growing with confident partners in high performing locations right across Australia.
If you are serious about owning a bubble tea franchise backed by national marketing, training and proven systems, now is the time to talk to us.
Take the next step today
Tell us a little about yourself and where you would like to open. Our franchising team will be in touch to explore locations and timing with you.
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