ChaHalo, a popular milk tea brand in China, will open its first North Texas shop in Plano on Aug. 18.

“I want to bring the most modern, healthy tea drink culture from China,” said Eva Gao, owner of the Plano location.

ChaHalo began in 2016 in China, where it now has almost 1,000 stores, according to its website. It has also expanded to countries including the United States, where it has eight locations. Its drinks are made from brewed whole-leaf tea and fresh milk. 

The brand’s Houston location opened in early July and drew lines of customers, Gao said.

The Plano location will offer a full menu during its soft opening from Aug. 18 to 20. For the grand opening from Aug. 21 to 23, it will offer a select menu of eight drinks for buy-one-get-one deals. Other promos will include limited free horse charms and a ChaHalo fridge magnet.

The eight drinks include Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea ($6.49), Jasmine Green Milk Tea ($6.49), Roasted Oolong Milk Tea ($6.49), ChaHalo Black Milk Tea Frappe ($7.49), Fresh Roasted Oolong Lemon Tea ($6.49), Jasmine Lemon Green Tea ($6.49), Coconut Water with Pistachio Cheese Foam ($7.49) and ChaHalo Coconut Water ($7.49), which is made with tea and coconut water.

ChaHalo in Plano is a 1,100-square-foot space with light wood panels and a small sofa and chairs. Gao chose the location because she found it challenging to find popular Chinese milk tea franchises in the area.

ChaHalo is part of a wave of international brands coming to North Texas, where milk tea has grown from rarity to staple over the last 20 years or so.

Another popular Chinese brand, Molly Tea, opened in Carrollton in early August. That store’s owner is planning to open more locations across D-FW and Texas. Popular Taiwanese shop Chicha San Chen also opened in Carrollton in 2025. Feng Cha, a brand born in Richardson in 2017, opened several new stores last year. 

The milk tea industry is expected to reach $2.9 billion in the U.S. in 2029, according to IBISWorld, an industry research firm.

If business at the Plano location goes well, Gao is open to expanding in D-FW.

ChaHalo is located at 6809 N. Central Expressway, #500, Plano. It will be open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting Aug. 18.