Gong Cha Appoints Michael Nedelkovich Jr. Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development

BOSTON -Gong cha is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development. A seasoned franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich’s expertise spans franchising, site selection, and strategic partnerships—expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long-term value creation.

In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha’s non-traditional development strategy in the U.S. His work will focus on scaling the brand through multi-unit partnerships in high-volume, experience-driven venues such as airports, colleges and universities, casinos, amusement destinations, and big box retail—all key touchpoints for Gong cha’s core customer base of Gen Z and millennials.

Nedelkovich’s priorities include refining the brand’s flexible design packages, accelerating speed to market, and enhancing operational adaptability to meet the demands of fast-moving, high-foot-traffic locations. He will also focus on optimizing existing partner relationships, while building new strategic alliances across foodservice, travel, and institutional sectors.

“Michael brings a rare 360-degree perspective, having served as a landlord, tenant, and brand operator,” said Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. “His leadership and deep relationships in the non-traditional space will be instrumental as we expand our footprint into new formats and reach new customers across the U.S. and beyond.”

In his previous role as Director of Non-Traditional Franchise Development at Go To Foods (formerly Focus Brands), Nedelkovich secured more than 120 site-specific locations across seven major national brands including Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Jamba, Carvel, Schlotzsky’s, McAlister’s, and Moe’s, earning him multiple consecutive President’s Club awards for sales achievement. His work included spearheading expansions into over a dozen casinos and several of the country’s largest stadiums, as well as key partnerships across a range of non-traditional channels such as colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, amusement parks, zoos, and travel centers.

Nedelkovich also held leadership roles at Areas USA and Fraport USA, where he oversaw brand development and F&B concessions across major U.S. airports and toll roads, with a portfolio that included a wide range of national chains and chef-driven concepts—from Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Burger King, to Wolfgang Puck & Chef Jose Andres. He began his career supporting non-traditional development initiatives for American Express, gaining early experience in high-traffic consumer environments.

SOURCE Gong cha