5 to go
 | The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's notability guidelines for companies and organizations. (June 2024) |
 | |
 Flagship store at Piata Sfatului, Brasov, Romania. | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Coffee |
| Founded | 2015[1] |
| Founders |
|
| Headquarters | Bucharest, Romania |
Number of locations | 550+ (2024) |
Area served | Romania, Hungary |
| Products |
|
| Website | fivetogo.ro |
5 to go is a Romanian coffee chain founded in Bucharest in 2015 by Radu Savopol and Lucian Bădilă. The brand quickly gained popularity due to its unique pricing strategy, initially offering all items for a fixed price of 5 RON (Romanian Leu), which translates to approximately €1 or $1.20. This approach made specialty coffee and a variety of other products accessible to a wider audience.
History
[edit]The first 5 to go café opened in February 2015 in Bucharest. The concept was developed to cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of urban residents, providing high-quality coffee and snacks at an affordable price. Within a short period, the chain expanded rapidly due to its successful business model and strong customer demand.[citation needed]
Expansion
[edit]By 2020, 5 to go had grown to over 150 locations, not only in Bucharest but also in other major Romanian cities, making it one of the largest coffee chains in the country.[2] The expansion included both company-owned and franchise-operated stores. The brand's growth strategy focused on maintaining low prices while ensuring quality and consistency across all outlets.[citation needed]
As of 2024, 5 to go operates over 550 branches, extending its reach beyond Romania with several new locations in Hungary. Additionally, the company plans to enter the Slovakian and Bulgarian markets in 2024.[3][4][5] This international growth marks a significant milestone for the brand, showcasing its appeal and adaptability in new markets.[citation needed]
Products
[edit]5 to go offers a range of coffee-based beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte, as well as a variety of teas, fresh juices, and smoothies. The menu also includes pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks.[6]
Awards and Recognition
[edit]The chain has received several awards and recognitions for its innovative business model and rapid growth. In 2018, 5 to go won the "Best Romanian Brand" award at the Forbes Brands for the Future Gala.[7] Additionally, Radu Savopol, co-founder of 5 to go, received the Outstanding Contribution to the European Coffee Industry award at the 2023 European Coffee Awards gala in Barcelona.[8]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ Morrell, Dominic (2023-07-09). "5 to go Co-Founder Radu Savopol on rapid Romanian expansion". Global Coffee Report.
- ^ "Success Stories: 5 To Go, the largest chain of cafes in Romania". Zile si Nopti. 2020-01-13.
- ^ "Romania's 5 to go to enter Slovakia in early 2024". World Coffee Portal. 2023-10-03.
- ^ "5 to go seeking further European expansion following strong first quarter sales". World Coffee Portal. 2024-04-08.
- ^ Ernst, Iulian (2024-04-09). "Romanian coffee shop chain '5 to go' enters Bulgaria and expands in Hungary". Romania Insider.
- ^ Macelaru, Adriana (2023-12-09). "5 to go Menu; Is the Romanian Starbucks?". Menu Romania.
- ^ Mikhailov, Marius (2018-11-16). "Forbes COOL Brands Gala 2018". Forbes Romania.
- ^ "5 to go co-founder wins at European Coffee Awards". Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. 2023-11-19.