Expanding the 5 to go Franchise in Romania and Beyond
Radu Savopol, co-founder of the coffee chain 5 to go, announced that the network has reached 650 locations across Romania, supported by more than 300 entrepreneurs who each manage an average of two franchise units. The company’s upcoming plans are ambitious, focusing on both domestic and international expansion — a move expected to significantly increase its overall valuation.
“We currently have 650 locations in our network. (…) I believe that in Romania we can reach around 1,000 locations, and realistically between 500 and 700 abroad. The turnover is not necessarily as relevant as the valuation itself. Last year we were valued at around €30 million, and I think we can reach a valuation exceeding €100 million in four to five years,” said Savopol.
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New Investors and 2025 Growth Plans
At the Financing & IPO Summit 2025, organized by VERTIK, Savopol discussed expanding the business into retail and the entry of investment funds INVENIO Partners and Accession Capital Partners (ACP) as shareholders. These funds have acquired 60% of the company, valuing the business at €30 million.
Founders Radu Savopol and Lucian Bădilă retained 25% of the shares, Mozaik Investments holds 10%, and businessman Andrei Alecu owns 5%. The two founders will remain with the company for at least five more years.
In the coming period, 5 to go aims to accelerate international growth, primarily in countries with large Romanian communities — Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Germany — where franchise listings will open in January 2025. The brand is already present in Moldova and Bulgaria.
“5 to go is a brand founded in 2015 in Romania; it’s one of the few brands that started in a garage and grew through franchising. It’s a model we are now expanding to other countries such as Moldova, Bulgaria, and soon Ireland,” the entrepreneur added.
In Ireland, the company will operate through a master franchise and plans to open 50 locations. In parallel, 5 to go will expand its retail segment in two other regional markets in 2025, which will double the turnover from this area — from €3 million in 2024.
Photo: Retail & FMCG
