How Pacific Coffee Became Hong Kong’s Largest Chain

When you walk into a busy coffee shop in Hong Kong, chances are it’s not a global giant—but a local brand that’s been serving espresso since the early '90s. Pacific Coffee isn’t just another café chain; it’s a homegrown name that became a fixture in malls, universities, and business hubs across Hong Kong, Macau, and beyond.

Pacific Coffee is currently the largest coffee chain in Hong Kong, with nearly 70 locations across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories—including branches inside the University of Hong Kong and the British Council. Its network also spans mainland China, Singapore, and Macau, with over 100 stores total as of 2010.

The Origins: From Seattle to Central

In 1992, a couple from Seattle brought the concept of a quality-focused American-style coffeehouse to Hong Kong, opening the first Pacific Coffee shop in the Bank of America Tower in Central. The first location officially launched in 1993. Their mission was simple: “The perfect cup”—a commitment to serve excellent coffee in a comfortable environment. By 2009, the brand had expanded to Macau with a store in Central Plaza on Macau’s main street, operated under franchise by the Macau Jai Hei Group.

Growth, Acquisition, and Mainland Expansion

In 2005, the brand gained recognition when its Peak location was voted the “No. 1 Internet Hotspot in Asia” in an Intel-sponsored poll. In 2007, the chain was acquired by Champion Technology (later renamed Champion Asia Pacific) for HK$250 million. Then in June 2010, the big shift came: China Resources Enterprise (CRE), through its subsidiary CRE Logistics (stock code: 00291), bought an 80% stake in Pacific Coffee. This acquisition helped the brand enter the mainland Chinese premium coffee market.

By April 2011, just months after opening its first mainland store in Shanghai, Pacific Coffee had expanded to four major cities. The brand followed a mostly direct-operated model, and by the end of that year, it had opened 23 company-owned and 4 franchised locations across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Foshan. CEO Thomas Tong announced plans to add at least 50 more stores that year, with a target of 150 locations by the following year.

Global Footprint and Current Reach

As of 2010, Pacific Coffee operated over 100 stores in Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Macau. The total number of outlets across these regions eventually grew to over 130. The brand supplies not only brewed coffee but also its own roasted beans and JURA brand espresso machines to corporate clients, including banks, airlines, hotels, and commercial offices. It also engages in coffee bean wholesale across Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Pacific Coffee founded?

Pacific Coffee was founded in 1992 by a couple from Seattle and opened its first shop in Hong Kong’s Bank of America Tower in Central. The first official location launched in 1993.

How many Pacific Coffee stores are there in Hong Kong?

As of the latest reports, Pacific Coffee operates nearly 70 stores across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, making it the largest coffee chain in Hong Kong.

When did Pacific Coffee expand to the Chinese mainland?

Pacific Coffee entered the mainland Chinese market in April 2011 with its first store in Shanghai. By the end of that year, it had expanded to multiple cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Who owns Pacific Coffee now?

Pacific Coffee was acquired by China Resources Enterprise (through its subsidiary CRE Logistics, stock code: 00291) in June 2010, which purchased an 80% stake in the brand.

Has Pacific Coffee expanded outside Hong Kong and China?

Yes, Pacific Coffee has also expanded to Singapore and Macau. Its Macau location is operated under franchise by the Macau Jai Hei Group.

What brands of coffee equipment does Pacific Coffee supply?

Pacific Coffee supplies its own branded coffee beans and Italian JURA brand espresso machines to corporate clients such as banks, airlines, hotels, and large businesses.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Office & Cafe Culture

For fans of Pacific Coffee’s balanced approach, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera – a bright, juicy Ethiopian single origin with notes of blueberry and citrus – or the Classic Blend, a smooth, chocolatey espresso blend ideal for milk drinks. Both reflect the quality-driven ethos behind Hong Kong’s original café chains. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.