The 5 to go Romanian coffee chain now has more than 400 outlets across Romania, and is setting its sights on reaching 1,000 stores in the country by 2028.
The chain which focuses on value opened an average of 16 new locations each month throughout 2022, the World Coffee Portal reported.
Founded in 2015, the company, which holds a 49% market share of the branded coffee shop market in Romania operates on a franchise system. Its is forecasting turnover in the region of 24 million euros for 2022.
That would be double its revenues in 2021 and almost four times higher than in 2020 when many retail outlets were closed during the pandemic.
The company says it is targeting further expansion over the next five years, particularly in towns with at least 10,000 people.
Some 40% of the 5 to go stores are now outside the capital Bucharest.
The chain is also seeking to expand abroad and is eyeing markets in Spain, Germany, Bulgaria, Poland and Moldova.
It currently operates stores in the UK, France, Belgium and Hungary.
“The results achieved so far put us in a winning position, but we are now heading towards a marathon, which requires a sustained pace over the next five years to help us reach the threshold of 1,000 coffee shops in Romania, “ said Radu Savopol, co-founder of 5 to go.
The company has diversified its range, although 70% of the sales are still coffee.
“Coffee is also the catalyst to success for local entrepreneurs in small and medium towns, where 5 to go soon becomes the official supplier of coffee and daily energy for the local community,” added Lucian Bădilă, co-founder of 5 to go.
5 to go is the largest branded coffee chain in Romania ahead of Starbucks, which operates around 60 stores, and McCafé’s 40 outlets.
Most things on the menu: coffee, beverages and pastries cost 5 lei, about one euro.
Coffee and donuts. Romanian ‘5 to Go’ startup opens first shop in Paris
