Romanian coffee brand 5 to go secured the fourth position among Europe’s largest coffee shop chains by location count. This achievement stems from a report released in November 2026 by market research firm WhiteSpace Partners. The study, titled "The Dark Roast, Bright Future: Scaling Coffee Brands in an Evolving Market," ranked 50 distinct coffee chains across the continent. The rankings rely on data collected in May 2026, which forms the statistical basis for the current standings.
A Rapid Ascent
The top three spots belong to established giants: Starbucks leads with 3,488 locations, followed by Costa Coffee at 2,967 and Caffe Nero at 863. 5 to go trails these leaders with 718 locations, yet its growth trajectory remains impressive given the brand launched only 11 years ago. Co-founder Radu Savopol describes the milestone as fantastic news for a company that started as a 12-square-metre shop. He emphasizes the need to constantly seek new opportunities and surround the team with reliable people to maintain performance. The brand aims to become a European value-for-money platform, proving its affordable model works in other markets.
Other international chains also performed well in the report. Espresso House holds 457 locations, while Coffee Island manages 393. Mikel Coffee Company operates 363 units, and Gregory’s runs 335 stores. Greece, Ireland, and the United Kingdom recorded the highest number of units per million inhabitants. Despite this strong showing, the gap between 5 to go and the top three remains substantial, requiring significant expansion to close the distance.
Sustainable Expansion Goals
5 to go reports it has since passed a total of 800 locations, surpassing the figure used for the initial ranking. Savopol states the ambition is to grow sustainably while staying true to the original mission that attracted customers. The company plans to keep expanding but prioritizes stability over rapid, unchecked growth. This approach ensures the business model built around great coffee at an affordable price remains viable in new territories. The brand intends to prove its worth beyond Romania by entering additional European markets. Such expansion requires careful management of resources and quality control across all new sites.
The path to becoming a dominant European player involves more than just opening doors. It demands consistent execution of the value proposition in diverse economic environments. Savopol acknowledges big plans ahead but insists on maintaining the core identity that defined the brand’s early success. The transition from a local favorite to a continental contender is now underway. Each new location must meet the same standards as the original 12-square-metre shop. The focus remains on delivering quality without sacrificing affordability. This balance defines the brand’s competitive edge in a crowded market.
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