Romania’s largest coffee chain is forecasting stronger sales and outlet growth in the second half of the year as it seeks to reach 1,000 stores by 2027
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5 to go opened 64 stores across Romania in the first half of the year to reach 500 outlets | Photo credit: 5 to go
Bucharest-based 5 to go has maintained strong sales and outlet growth momentum in the first half of 2023.
The value-focused coffee chain achieved 55% year-on-year sales growth in the first six months of the year to reach €20m ($22m), 5% higher than forecast.
5 to go opened 64 stores across Romania during the period to reach 500 outlets and is currently signing approximately 13 new franchise contracts every month. Following rapid expansion, the coffee chain has set a new goal of reaching 1,000 sites by 2027.
The brand is also diversifying its store portfolio, renovating 33 outlets in the period, partnering with supermarket chain Caffefour and expanding its presence on Romanian motorways. The coffee chain also opened its first flagship store in Brasov in July 2023.
More than 1.6 million customers visit its stores every month, 5 to go added.
“These results are a pleasant surprise because they come in a challenging economic context, which brought price increases and required an adaptation or even reset of consumption habits. However, we have managed to maintain our fast pace of growth and the second part of the year is expected to be even more productive than the first. We expect to exceed the estimated budget and reach 150 new cafés open in 2023,” said Radu Savopol, co-founder of 5 to go.
5 to go is also currently seeking to expand its international presence. The Romanian coffee chain has opened two stores in neighbouring Hungary since making its debut in Budapest in June 2022, with three further Hungarian sites in various stages of development.