Zireto targets 100 stores by the end of 2023

Romanian coffee chain Zireto plans to open at least 30 small-format stores across the country this year and exceed 100 outlets.

Founded in Suceava in 2017, Zireto opened 14 new outlets in 2022 to reach 71 nationwide — half of which are franchise-operated.

The company is now the second largest coffee chain in Romania by number of outlets, ahead of Starbucks’ 56 stores but considerably behind fellow Romanian brand 5 to go which operates more than 400 stores across the country.

Zireto predominantly operates to-go kiosks and small-scale cafés but opened its first drive-thru store and launched a new flagship store in the centre of Suceava last year.

Speaking to local media, Marketing Director Marian Moscaliuc said expansion will target Romania’s high footfall cities. She added that Zireto is also seeking to expand internationally, although details are yet to be disclosed.

Moscaliuc said Zireto achieved group sales exceeding BAN 50m ($10.8m) in 2022.

World Coffee Portal research forecasts the total Romanian branded coffee shop market will reach 940 outlets by 2027.

Zireto is managed by Just Seven, a Romanian holding company focused on the hospitality industry. The company operates the Caffe Barbera 1870 and Caffegia packaged coffee brands, alongside the Suceava-based Hotel Bucovina and Kaffehaus restaurant.