Austria’s Aïda continues international expansion with Slovakia debut

Aïda is seeking to open an initial five stores in Slovakia by 2027 | Photo credit: Aïda

Boutique Viennese bakery-café chain Aïda has entered its third international market of 2024 with an outlet in Bratislava, Slovakia. 
 

The 110-year operator, known for its lavish pink decor and Viennese pastries, currently operates 27 stores across Austria and made its international debut in Germany in May 2024. Aïda also expanded to Saudi Arabia in November 2024 with a 24/7 store at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. 

The launch of its 320sq ft Nivy Mall outlet in Bratislava follows the signing of a master franchise agreement with Slovakian hospitality group Dahleh Cafe s.r.o. in September 2024, with the partners seeking to open an initial five stores in the Central European country by 2027. 

“Together we want to make Aïda in Bratislava a permanent fixture – a place where guests can experience an authentic piece of Viennese history. Our goal is to open several branches in Slovakia in the next few years and to spread Viennese coffee house culture further into the world,” said Dominik Prousek, Executive Director and fourth-generation owner of Aïda. 

World Coffee Portal’s Project Café Europe 2024 report found the total Slovakian branded coffee shop market comprises approximately 140 outlets, led by value-focused McCafé and Germany’s Tchibo Kaffee Bar with 34 and 19 stores respectively. The Slovak market is forecast to reach 170 outlets in the first quarter of 2029.