Romanian coffee chain 5 to go has announced its entry into the Bulgarian market, setting an ambitious goal of opening more than 150 locations over the next three to four years, after the brand successfully tested the market by opening two cafés in Ruse.
The expansion will now continue in Sofia, with additional outlets to follow across the country. In parallel, the company launched its retail business in May 2025 through a partnership with the Minimart supermarket chain.
Founded in 2015, 5 to go has grown rapidly in its home market, reaching 650 locations in Romania in just ten years. The brand’s formula, simple pricing, compact cafés, and affordable franchise opportunities, has proven to be a winning model.
The Bulgarian locations will follow the same concept: a simplified menu with five fixed price points (€1, €1.5, €2, €2.5, and €3). Store formats will feature either the 2.0 or 3.0 design concepts, focusing on spaces between 20 and 30 square meters.
Franchise contracts will run for seven years, with fees set at 4% royalty and 1.5% marketing contribution, plus an initial €4,500 entry fee. The estimated cost of opening a turnkey 5 to go café ranges between €18,000 and €25,000, depending on the size and location, and includes equipment, permits, initial stock, and design.
As part of its regional expansion, the brand also plans to open a larger flagship store in Bulgaria, integrating the 5 to go Academy, a training hub for franchisees, and a dedicated franchise support office.
