Chatime's Ontario locations run as beverage-only kiosks and small-format storefronts — no exhaust hood, no cooking line — which keeps the physical build-out lighter than a typical quick-service resale. What matters more here is the ingredient side: tea concentrate, toppings, and syrups usually come from an approved supplier list the franchisor controls, and confirming that relationship carries over is as important as the lease itself.
Chatime resales follow the franchisor's own approval process on top of the usual purchase mechanics — here's how the two run together.
Getting approved
Price and terms, conditioned on franchisor consent, an assignable premises agreement, and confirming the approved-ingredient supply relationship is transferable.
1–2 weeks†Chatime's franchise team reviews the incoming buyer and can exercise its right of first refusal instead of letting the resale proceed as negotiated.
several weeks, typically†A franchise disclosure document may still be required for this resale — Ontario courts read the resale-disclosure exemption narrowly, so franchisor involvement in the sale can trigger it even where it's called a private deal.
assessed early†Getting to closing
A mall, plaza, or street-front premises agreement needs the landlord's written consent to assign, timed alongside the franchisor's own review.
2–6 weeks†The incoming owner typically completes Chatime's drink-preparation and recipe training before the transfer is finalized.
before or shortly after closing†Funds, keys, and signed documents change hands, alongside a count of perishable tea, dairy, and topping inventory.
1 day, once conditions are met†CFA Look For A Franchise listing confirms Chatime as a CFA member since 2020, in business in Canada since 2011, and a CFA Franchisees' Choice Award winner in 2022
Chatime locations across Ontario and British Columbia combined, within a large global store network
This is the first real decision in a Chatime resale — and it changes what you're buying, what you're taking on, and how the franchise agreement moves.
| Question | Asset purchase | Share purchase |
|---|---|---|
| What you buy | The kiosk's brewing and sealing equipment, refrigeration, leasehold improvements, inventory, and the benefit of the existing franchise agreement, subject to consent. | The shares of the operating company — every location it holds, and everything it owes. |
| Seller's liabilities | Generally stay behind with the seller's existing corporation. | Generally come with the company, including obligations tied to any other locations it operates. |
| Franchisor consent & ROFR | Required for this specific unit, and typically the pacing condition on the deal. | Required for the change of control itself — the franchisor reviews who is actually taking over. |
| Approved-supplier relationship | Continued access to the franchisor's approved tea, dairy, and topping suppliers doesn't transfer automatically — it's confirmed as part of the consent process. | The operating company's existing supply accounts generally carry over with the shares. |
| The premises | Needs the landlord's consent to assign, timed alongside the franchisor's own review. | Usually stays in place unless the agreement carries its own change-of-control clause. |
| Tax angle | Buyer gets a stepped-up cost base on the assets purchased. | Seller may access the lifetime capital gains exemption on qualifying shares. |
The kiosk's brewing and sealing equipment, refrigeration, leasehold improvements, inventory, and the benefit of the existing franchise agreement, subject to consent.
The shares of the operating company — every location it holds, and everything it owes.
Generally stay behind with the seller's existing corporation.
Generally come with the company, including obligations tied to any other locations it operates.
Required for this specific unit, and typically the pacing condition on the deal.
Required for the change of control itself — the franchisor reviews who is actually taking over.
Continued access to the franchisor's approved tea, dairy, and topping suppliers doesn't transfer automatically — it's confirmed as part of the consent process.
The operating company's existing supply accounts generally carry over with the shares.
Needs the landlord's consent to assign, timed alongside the franchisor's own review.
Usually stays in place unless the agreement carries its own change-of-control clause.
Buyer gets a stepped-up cost base on the assets purchased.
Seller may access the lifetime capital gains exemption on qualifying shares.
We tell you which structure fits — before you sign anything.
No open-ended hourly surprises — the cost is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
| Type of work | Fee | How it's confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Straightforward purchase or sale | Starting from $3,388.87 Our charges · taxes included | Confirmed in writing once we see the agreement. |
| Larger or more complex deal | Quoted to scope | Short call → fixed written quote before any work begins. |
| Searches, filings & third-party fees | At cost | Itemized on your invoice, not marked up. |
A single Chatime kiosk or storefront changing hands between one buyer and one seller, with a standard premises agreement and a straightforward franchisor consent process.
Start my file →Confirming approved-supplier continuity before closing, or an existing operator adding a second Chatime location to their portfolio.
Book a consultation →Not sure which you are? That's our job to figure out, not yours. As a rough guide, most deals under a couple of million dollars are the first kind — above that, you're usually in Mergers & Acquisitions territory.
Not automatically — it's typically confirmed as part of the franchisor's consent process. We make sure written confirmation of continued supplier access is in hand before you're relying on it, rather than assuming it follows the lease.
Generally simpler — without an exhaust hood or cooking line, the landlord's consent process tends to focus on plumbing, electrical load, and signage rather than the ventilation and grease-trap questions a full kitchen brings.
Not necessarily. Ontario courts have read the resale-disclosure exemption narrowly, and franchisor involvement in matching buyer to seller can still trigger a full disclosure requirement. We confirm whether it applies to your specific deal early.
Often, yes. Adding a second unit under an existing operating company is more commonly handled as an asset purchase into that company, with the franchisor reviewing your standing as an existing operator alongside the new location's consent.
Recipe consistency, equipment operation, and food-safety handling specific to tea and topping preparation — distinct from a general food-handler certificate, and typically required before or shortly after the transfer completes.
Related
Where we close franchise resale deals
Treadstone Law is an independent law firm. We act for buyers and sellers of franchise businesses. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or retained by Chatime or its franchisor.
Tell us about your Chatime resale — we'll point you the right way and confirm the cost in writing before any work begins.