Quick Answer
HEYTEA (喜茶) was founded in Jiangmen, Guangdong, China, in 2012 as “Royal Tea” and renamed HEYTEA in 2016 after a trademark issue. Founder Nie Yunchen helped popularize cheese tea. It has about 4,000 stores in China (2025–2026 reports). It entered Singapore in 2018, then the UK, Australia, Canada and Malaysia, and opened its first US store on Broadway in Manhattan in December 2023. By January 2025 it had 15 stores in New York City and has since expanded to at least seven other states.
HEYTEA at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012, Jiangmen, Guangdong (as Royal Tea) |
| Renamed | HEYTEA in 2016 |
| Founder | Nie Yunchen |
| Known for | Cheese tea (milk-foam tea), fruit teas |
| China stores | About 4,000 (2025–2026 reports) |
| United States | First store in New York, Dec 2023; 15 in NYC by Jan 2025 |
HEYTEA in North America
HEYTEA started in busy Manhattan locations before expanding to other states, and also operates in Canada. Its fruit teas and cheese foam drinks rely on steady imports of tea, juice and foam ingredients.
3 Lessons for Bubble Tea Operators
- One signature drink: cheese foam needs reliable creamer and foam powder.
- Fruit teas need steady juice: combine fresh fruit with frozen juice and fruit syrups.
- Register the trademark first: see Taking a bubble tea brand overseas.
How Tang Sugar Supports Cafés and Bubble Tea Shops
Tang Sugar supplies tea leaves, creamer, foam powder, frozen juice and fruit syrups from Taiwan, quoted together for your menu and consolidated into one shipment. We also offer an international sourcing agent service and tea shop planning. Contact us for bulk and wholesale quotes.
Note: this article summarizes public information about the brand. Caitang International (Tang Sugar) has no partnership or affiliation with the brands mentioned; brand names and trademarks belong to their owners. Figures are as of each source’s publication date.
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FAQ
Where is HEYTEA from?
HEYTEA is a Chinese brand founded in Jiangmen, Guangdong, in 2012.
Why did HEYTEA change its name?
It was originally called Royal Tea and was renamed HEYTEA in 2016 after a trademark issue.
Does HEYTEA have stores in the US?
Yes. The first opened on Broadway in New York in December 2023, and there were 15 NYC stores by January 2025.
What is HEYTEA known for?
Cheese tea (milk-foam tea) and fruit teas.
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