Caffebene: Korea’s Largest Coffee Chain by Store Count

Ever wondered how a single coffee chain can grow to nearly a thousand locations across multiple continents—and what makes its franchise model tick? The story of Caffebene reveals how rapid expansion, strategic investments, and localized support turned a Korean brand into a global cafe player.

Caffebene opened its first store in 2008 and by that time had already expanded to over 900 locations across South Korea. Globally, the brand operates more than 1,200 stores in countries including Korea, the United States, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

What Is Caffebene?

Caffebene is a South Korean coffeehouse chain known for serving not just coffee, but also a range of specialty drinks and food items. In addition to espresso-based beverages, the menu includes premium teas, various types of lattes, fresh juices, waffles, and baked goods such as bread. The brand positions itself as a lifestyle cafe rather than just a coffee shop.

Caffebene’s Growth in South Korea

Caffebene is the largest coffee chain in South Korea by number of franchise outlets. As of its peak, the brand operated over 900 locations nationally. Out of these, only around 30 were company-owned stores—the rest were run by independent franchisees. This heavy reliance on franchising highlights the brand’s successful multi-tiered expansion strategy.

How Caffebene Built Its Franchise Model

Caffebene’s approach to franchising is notable for its flexibility and hands-on support. The brand offers several investment models to potential franchisees:

• 50/50 joint venture
• 40/60 split
• 100% franchisee-funded stores

Beyond financing options, Caffebene provides comprehensive assistance throughout the lifecycle of a franchise. This includes help with site selection and evaluation, as well as ongoing operational support after the store opens. Such structured backing is a key reason the brand has maintained a robust network of independently owned locations.

Caffebene Goes Global

In March 2012, Caffebene entered the Chinese market. By April of that year, the brand had opened its first two stores in Beijing—Olympic Sports Center and Wangjing Fuma—which marked the official start of its full-scale expansion in China. The operations in China eventually transitioned under a joint venture, and the company was renamed Caffebene Management Co., Ltd.

Where Is Caffebene Today?

Though the article does not detail current operations post-2012, the documented growth trajectory shows that by that year, Caffebene had firmly established itself as a major international coffee retail brand. With roots in Seoul’s Gangnam District—specifically the Cheongdam-dong neighborhood—the chain’s headquarters have served as the command center for global rollouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Caffebene stores are there in South Korea?

At its peak, Caffebene operated over 900 stores across South Korea, making it the country’s largest coffee chain by number of locations.

How many Caffebene stores are there worldwide?

Globally, Caffebene has expanded to more than 1,200 locations across countries including South Korea, the United States, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Is Caffebene mostly franchised or company-owned?

Caffebene relies heavily on franchising. In South Korea, only about 30 of its over 900 stores were company-owned; the vast majority were run by independent franchise partners.

What kinds of products does Caffebene sell?

Caffebene serves a wide range of products including coffee, premium tea, various styles of lattes, fresh juice, waffles, and bakery items such as bread.

When did Caffebene enter the Chinese market?

Caffebene entered the Chinese market in March 2012, with its first two stores opening in Beijing in April of the same year.

What is the name of Caffebene’s Chinese joint venture company?

The joint venture operating Caffebene in China was renamed Caffebene Management Co., Ltd.