Chatime Opens First Las Vegas Location Near UNLV Campus
Chatime, the Taiwan-founded bubble tea chain with over 1,400 global locations, debuts in Nevada with its first store opening June 20 near UNLV and plans six additional Las Vegas venues.
Chatime has entered the Nevada market for the first time, opening its inaugural location on June 20 at 4626 S. Maryland Parkway near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A second store will follow later this year in the Arts District at 1563 Commerce Street. The expansion is led by Ashish Bhutiani, a Las Vegas-based franchisee and former technology consulting entrepreneur who spent over a decade building a consulting business before relocating from New York to launch Chatime in the market. Bhutiani plans to operate six locations across Las Vegas. "After years in the technology industry, I wanted my next business venture to be centered on people, community, and creating memorable customer experiences," Bhutiani said. "Las Vegas continues to attract new residents, students, and entrepreneurs, and I believe Chatime can become a welcoming gathering place where people connect over something fun and approachable." Chatime's menu features customizable milk teas, fruit teas, and brown sugar pearl drinks with adjustable sweetness levels and dairy-free alternatives. The brand, founded in Taiwan in 2005, now operates more than 1,400 locations across multiple continents. Zach Wei, Head of U.S. Operations for Chatime, noted the strategic fit: "Las Vegas is an exciting and fast-growing market that aligns well with Chatime's focus on innovation, customization, and community. With locations planned near UNLV and in the Arts District, we're bringing the brand to neighborhoods where people are looking for convenient, social, and high-quality beverage experiences." The first 50 customers on opening day will receive a free 16-ounce premium milk tea. Throughout the opening weekend, guests can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on select beverages. **Why It Matters:** The bubble tea category continues expanding in major U.S. markets as operators recognize the appeal of customizable beverages and high-margin specialty drinks. Chatime's entry into Las Vegas reflects broader industry momentum in the quick-service beverage segment, particularly among younger demographics and college-adjacent locations.