5 to go, a Romanian coffee shop chain, has set its sights on expanding into the Southeastern European market, with Accession Capital Partners and Invenio Partners as majority shareholders. The chain recently made its entry into Bulgaria through a strategic partnership with Minimart, a local chain of convenience stores with ambitious expansion plans.
The move to tap into the Bulgarian retail market marks a significant milestone in 5 to go’s regional expansion strategy. Dumitru Iliescu, the managing director, emphasized the brand’s commitment to evolving the retail segment, both domestically and internationally. Leveraging a diverse product portfolio tailored to consumer preferences in Romania and Bulgaria, 5 to go aims to solidify its presence in Southeastern Europe.
Currently, 5 to go operates two cafes in Bulgaria, with plans to introduce the franchise model to accelerate the opening of 150 cafes over the next few years. Founded in 2015, the chain has grown rapidly, surpassing 600 open units. It holds the distinction of being the largest coffee shop chain in Eastern Europe and a leading franchise in Romania.
Radu Savopol and Lucian Bădilă, the founders of 5 to go, revolutionized the Romanian HoReCa market with their innovative concept of offering a uniform price for all products. This approach has resonated well with consumers, propelling the chain’s success and popularity.
The partnership with Minimart in Bulgaria not only expands 5 to go’s market reach but also underscores its commitment to catering to diverse consumer preferences across different regions. This strategic move aligns with the brand’s vision of continuous growth and adaptation to local market dynamics.
5 to go’s foray into the Southeastern European market signifies a strategic shift towards broader regional expansion. By capitalizing on established partnerships and a proven product strategy, the chain is poised to further solidify its position as a frontrunner in the coffee shop industry.
As the company pursues its goal of enhancing the coffee culture in the region, its expansion into Bulgaria serves as a testament to its commitment to delivering quality products and experiences to a diverse customer base. With a track record of innovation and customer-centric offerings, 5 to go is well-positioned to thrive in the competitive coffee market.
With a strong foundation in place and a clear strategic vision, 5 to go is set to make a significant impact on the Southeastern European market. The brand’s success story underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in the evolving coffee industry landscape.