5 to go

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.

5 to go

Company type	Private
Industry	Coffee
Founded	2015; 10 years ago (2015)[1]
Founders	Radu Savopol Lucian Bădilă
Headquarters	Bucharest, Romania
Number of locations	650+ (2024)
Area served	Romania, Hungary
Products	Coffee Tea and Herbal teas Made-to-order beverages Assorted food Bottled beverages Smoothies Franchising
Website	fivetogo.ro

History

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

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 650 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

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

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

• Coffee house
• List of coffeehouse chains
• Coffee portal