CoCo Bubble Tea targets at least three stores in Hungary

CoCo Bubble Tea has identified Hungary as one of its priority markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Following the opening of its first Budapest store, the international brand plans to establish at least three outlets in the country over the longer term. A company announcement published on 27 October presents the Hungarian launch as part of a multi-country franchise expansion, supported by an understanding of local consumer habits and a European supply network.

Hungarian debut on Dohány Street

CoCo’s first Hungarian store opened on 20 May 2026 at 28 Dohány Street in Budapest’s District VII. The brand has therefore already entered the market; the October announcement sets out the details of that launch and its plans for further growth. The Budapest outlet serves the brand’s European menu and also offers delivery through Wolt.

The launch was supported by Hungarian-language content on Facebook and Instagram. Limited quantities of branded gifts were also offered to the first customers. The company cites these initiatives as examples of how it combines its international brand with locally relevant communications and sales channels.

For Hungary’s franchise sector, the arrival represents more than another food and drink outlet: the Budapest opening is the first step in establishing a local presence for an international network. CoCo has more than 5,000 stores worldwide and is approaching its 30th anniversary in 2027. That global scale should not, however, be confused with the current size of its Hungarian network: the announcement identifies one store already open in the country.

Three-store target, but no detailed Hungarian timetable

The company plans to establish at least three stores each in Hungary, Armenia and Ukraine over time. For Hungary, this signals an intention to expand beyond the Budapest launch, rather than three outlets already operating or announced with firm opening dates.

CoCo has not disclosed the addresses, towns or cities, or opening dates of its next Hungarian stores. The plan for at least three outlets should therefore be treated as a longer-term target, not a near-term opening schedule. Nor does the announcement establish whether further Hungarian locations will be in Budapest or elsewhere in the country.

The regional programme is at a different stage in each country. The first stores have already opened in Hungary and Armenia, while in Ukraine the brand plans to launch its first outlet, in Kyiv, by the end of December. CoCo names Hungary and Ukraine as priority markets for further growth in Central and Eastern Europe. It assigns Armenia a different role, linking its presence there to exploring opportunities in the South Caucasus and neighbouring West Asia.

The three countries are therefore part of a shared expansion programme, but this does not imply identical opening schedules or operational support arrangements. Alongside the company’s regional ambitions, its Hungarian plans should also be viewed as a distinct local commitment.

European warehouse network supports operations

CoCo’s European warehousing and supply network supports its Hungarian operations and preparations for the Ukrainian opening. According to the company, this infrastructure supports ingredient supplies and store operations across the region. In Armenia, by contrast, support is organised locally.

These regional supply capabilities are complemented by the brand’s existing training, product development and store management systems. The announcement is therefore not just about increasing store numbers, but also about the operating model underpinning CoCo’s presence in new markets.

In these new countries, the company works with local franchise partners to assess the competitive landscape and consumer preferences. Its expansion approach brings together local insights, market-specific menu planning and regional support. For the Budapest outlet, however, the offering specifically identified is the European menu; the announcement makes no mention of a separate Hungarian product range.

Seeking experienced multi-site operators

To accelerate regional growth, CoCo is seeking suitably experienced master franchise partners. It is particularly interested in retail and foodservice businesses that already operate multiple outlets and have a proven track record in their markets. The invitation places a clear emphasis on existing operational expertise and local knowledge.

The search for partners is framed at a regional level. It does not, in itself, mean that master franchise rights for Hungary are available. The announcement does not detail Hungarian territorial rights, the financial terms of joining the network or the operating arrangements for future stores. Interested businesses will need to clarify these points directly with the company.

Practical takeaway: CoCo’s presence in Hungary is based on an operating store and an explicit expansion target. Entrepreneurs considering joining the network should first check which partnership roles are available in Hungary, what territorial rights are on offer and what investment terms apply. The three-store target alone does not constitute a specific franchise offer.