Gloria Jean's Enters Tianjin, Dogbie Expands into Coffee

When an iconic Chinese food brand suddenly opens a sleek coffee shop, people take notice. But in Tianjin’s bustling Xiao Bai Lou business district, it wasn’t just any coffee chain that debuted its fourth local outlet on May 9—it was Gloria Jean’s, Australia’s largest global coffee brand, now backed by a surprising Chinese partner: the 150-year-old Doggie Group.

Gloria Jean’s now has four cafes in Tianjin alone, part of a broader push into China following a 2014 licensing deal that made Doggie Group the sole forever brand user in the country.

How a 150-Year-Old Chinese Brand Bought Its Way Into Coffee

The Doggie Group, known for its century-old steamed bun legacy, first approached Gloria Jean’s Coffee International Pty Ltd—based in Australia—in late 2012. After nearly two years of tough negotiations, the two sides signed an intellectual property licensing agreement on December 25, 2014. Under this deal, Doggie’s wholly owned subsidiary, Tianjin Senyongtai Catering Co., Ltd., became the only company in China with permanent rights to operate under the Gloria Jean’s brand.

Who Is Gloria Jean’s—and Why Does It Matter?

Gloria Jean’s was founded in 1979 and has grown into one of the world’s five biggest coffee chains, operating over 1,000 locations across more than 40 countries. The Australian brand is especially known for its commitment to high-quality specialty coffee beans and artisanal brewing methods. In 2011, it earned praise from Consumer Reports, a leading U.S. authority on product testing, for its consistent coffee quality. That reputation helped attract a wave of young Chinese coffee lovers once it entered the market.

What’s Happening Now in Tianjin, Chengdu, and Shanghai

Since entering the Chinese market, Gloria Jean’s has quickly expanded to cities including Tianjin, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Its first stores in Tianjin, launched less than a year ago, drew attention for offering premium, handcrafted coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. The new Xiao Bai Lou location aims to bring more locals an authentic taste of Australian-style coffee. The brand plans further expansion across China in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Australian coffee brand just opened a fourth cafe in Tianjin?

Gloria Jean’s Coffee, Australia’s largest global coffee chain with over 1,000 stores in 40+ countries, opened its fourth location in Tianjin’s Xiao Bai Lou CBD on May 9, 2024.

Who owns the Gloria Jean’s brand in China?

Doggie Group, a 150-year-old Chinese company best known for its steamed buns, owns exclusive permanent rights to the Gloria Jean’s brand in China through a 2014 licensing deal with its Australian parent company.

When did Doggie Group start working with Gloria Jean’s?

Doggie Group began discussions with Gloria Jean’s Coffee International in late 2012, and after nearly two years of negotiation, they signed the official brand licensing agreement on December 25, 2014.

What cities in China currently have Gloria Jean’s cafes?

As of the report, Gloria Jean’s has cafes in Tianjin, Chengdu, and Shanghai, with plans for continued expansion across China.

What makes Gloria Jean’s coffee different?

Gloria Jean’s is known for using high-quality specialty coffee beans and traditional hand-brewing techniques. It earned recognition from Consumer Reports in 2011 for maintaining excellent coffee quality globally.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Australian-Style Coffee

For those exploring Gloria Jean’s Aussie-style coffee in Tianjin, try FrontStreet’s Indonesia Lintong Mandheling, a medium-to-dark roast with bold notes of spice, toast, and dark caramel. Its earthy complexity mirrors the rich profiles often preferred in Australian coffee culture. Alternatively, FrontStreet’s 2013 Yunnan Typica offers a smoother, balanced cup with chocolate, nut, and tea notes—a great entry point for newer coffee drinkers. Both beans showcase the kind of rounded, full-bodied flavours often served in specialty coffee shops like Gloria Jean’s. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.