How Doggie Bag Brand Dogalsy Entered China’s Coffee Market

When Gloria Jean’s Coffees opened its first Beijing outlet in October 2015, few could have guessed the Australian coffee chain was owned by none other than Dogalsy—the 150-year-old Chinese dumpling brand famed for its steamed buns. The surprise wasn’t just the brand pivot, but that Dogalsy had pulled off an international acquisition in a completely different industry. For anyone wondering how a storied but struggling Chinese food business ended up running cafes in Beijing, the answer lies in a bold restructuring, a search for growth, and a strategic bet on coffee culture.

In short: Yes, Dogalsy (of “Doggie Bag” bun fame) now owns Gloria Jean’s Coffees in China. The acquisition happened in 2014–2015, making Dogalsy the licensee for the Australian coffee chain’s operations in the country, starting with a flagship store in Beijing. This marked the legacy brand’s first major move into the global coffee market.

From Struggling Dumpling House to Mixed-Ownership Success

Founded in Tianjin, Dogalsy became synonymous with traditional Chinese baozi—thin-skinned, juicy buns with exactly 18 folds and a rich filling. But by the early 2000s, the 150-year-old brand faced serious troubles: outdated management, limited menu options, and financial strain had stalled its growth.

The turnaround began in 2005. With backing from the Tianjin municipal government, Dogalsy was sold at public auction to Tianjin Tongrentang, a successful private enterprise. This shift turned the state-owned brand into a mixed-ownership limited company, setting the stage for modernization.

Post-acquisition, Dogalsy revamped its operations—improving food quality, service, and dining environments. It also expanded beyond restaurants into frozen and fast food sectors. Notably, it invested nearly 30 million RMB to develop an automated baozi production line, merging traditional techniques with industrial efficiency.