Chinese Tea Shop Chagee Will Open its First U.S. Location in Los Angeles Amid Trump Administration Trade Tensions | Eater LA
"Founded in 2017 in Yunnan, the chain has grown to over 6,400 locations worldwide — across China and in Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia — and is best known for its fresh-brewed and milk teas; menu highlights include a jasmine tea latte, Yunnan pu’er milk tea, and an oolong blended frappe. The brand leans into a more upscale visual identity that resembles that of Dior bags, with ornately decorated cups that depict horses and flowers. Its first U.S. location is slated to open in Los Angeles this spring at Westfield Century City Mall; Eater LA first reported the chain’s U.S. expansion in 2024 after Westside blogger Todrick Allen spotted branding at the former Sugar Factory space. On March 25 the company filed for a U.S. initial public offering (IPO), multiple sources report; if approved, it would trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker CHA. The IPO filing revealed revenue grew to 12.41 billion Chinese yuan in 2024 (about $1.7 billion), up from 4.64 billion the prior year, and the U.S. offering is expected to court stateside investors. These plans come amid escalating trade tensions — the U.S. imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on goods from China in early March on top of an existing 10 percent tariff implemented in February, and China responded with additional tariffs of up to 15 percent on some U.S. imports — and the effects of those tariffs on the planned U.S. expansion remain to be seen. When it opens, the location will join a dining lineup at Westfield Century City that includes Eataly, Haidilao, Din Tai Fung, and the recently opened Chamberlain Coffee, while the mall is also set to welcome Super Peach (from the Momofuku group), Katsuya, and Casa Dani later this year." - Rebecca Roland
