BUDAPEST, Hungary – American-Australian retail coffeehouse chain Gloria Jean’s Coffees is returning to Hungary, with plans for 10 new stores in the next five years. According to Budapest Business Journal, the first two shops are slated to open around St. Stephen’s Basilica and in the Arena Mall this month and in September, respectively.
“We are the biggest franchise partners of Gloria Jeans Coffee in the United States and have 13 stores in Chicago; we are the proud owners of the very first store of Gloria Jeans Coffees from where it all started,” Tahir Mahmood, chief operations officer of Gloria Jean’s Coffees Hungary Kft, told the Journal.
“After our success in Chicago, we have now bought the rights as master franchise owner for Hungary from RFG (Retail Food Group) Australia, which owns Gloria Jean’s Coffees with other brands like Crust Pizza, Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, Pizza Capers, Brumby’s Bakeries, Cafe2U and The Coffee Guy.”
In addition to being COO, Mahmood says he is in Budapest to manage the operations of the franchise, and is a partner in Gloria Jean’s Coffees Hungary Master Franchise with Muddassar Alvi.
Alvi, CEO of GJC Hungary says, “We are excited to be launching the Gloria Jean’s Coffee brand into the Hungarian market, as we believe it has a unique positioning and modern feel from store design to menu that local consumers will love.”
He adds that the brand is committed to buying from suppliers that look after both their workers and the environment.
“We aim to offer the best ‘bean-to-cup’ experience, collaborating with the finest growers, roasting in house and crafting innovative blends. We understand coffee is a ritual not a routine, and want every coffee lover across Hungary to create a chapter that involves us,” Alvi explains.
Mahmood adds that the first two locations will open as corporate stores and GJC Hungary is looking for partners who could enter the franchise “with cash of at least Euros 250,000.”
