The new coffee shop was opened in a space rented from businessman Catalin Mahu, the owner of restaurant chain La Mama.
Starbucks plans to double the number of coffee shops until 2020, relying on a growing Romanian market. The Starbucks chain, which comprises over 30 units, holds 2% of the Romanian bars and coffee shop market, according to data from market research firm Euromonitor. Its competitors include international chains, such as Gloria Jean’s, as well as local names, such as Ted’s and The Coffee Shop.
Starbucks has been present in Romania for nearly a decade, being held over the years by several shareholders. The Starbucks franchise in Romania and Bulgaria has been part of the portfolio of Polish group Amrest since the spring of 2015. Amrest holds the Starbucks franchise in Romania until 2023 and the Starbucks franchise in Bulgaria until 2027. The company has exclusive right of franchise on the two markets.
AmRest Holdings SE is the largest independent restaurant operator in Central and Eastern Europe. The company is also developing its operations in Western Europe, Russia and China.