5 to go said 50 new stores have opened or are in the process of opening since the start of the year | Photo credit: 5 to go

Romania’s 5 to go is approaching 500 stores following strong outlet and revenue growth in its first quarter. 
 

The value-focused coffee chain currently operates 475 stores across eastern Europe, 50% of which are concentrated in the Romanian capital of Bucharest. 5 to go said 50 new stores have opened or are in the process of opening since the start of the year. 
 

World Coffee Portal research shows 5 to go is the fastest growing branded coffee chain in Europe and one of only two chains to expand by triple digits last year. 
 

In January 2023, 5 to go announced plans to open 150 stores this year and increase its share within the Romanian branded coffee shop market to 55%.  
 

It currently holds a 52% market share, far higher than the second largest chain in the country, Zireto, at 8%. 
 

5 to go also plans to open two new stores in Hungary in 2023 following its market debut in Budapest in June 2022. 
 

The coffee chain’s consolidated turnover reached €11.5m ($12.6m) in the three months ended 31 March 2023, 64% higher than the same period in 2022. 

“The main objectives set for this year are to increase turnover and market share, and we will achieve this by maintaining the accelerated pace of regional development, but also by diversifying the offer in coffee shops, which will create new consumption opportunities for our products and will offer consumers more reasons to enter a 5 to go coffee shop,” said Radu Savopol, co-founder of 5 to go.  

Founded in 2015, 5 to go doubled its group level turnover in 2022 to reach €30m ($32m).  
 

Alongside outlet expansion, 5 to go credits its enhanced retail segment for its sales growth.  

In February 2023, the coffee chain announced a partnership with Carrefour which will see the supermarket chain introduce a new ‘Coffee Corner 5 to go’ concept in 11 Carrefour stores and stock 5 to go retail products across its Romanian stores, including ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee-based products and Nespresso-compatible 5 to go coffee capsules. 

World Coffee Portal forecasts the 880-strong Romanian branded coffee shop market will reach 1,541 outlets by 2028.