Sydney, Australia – 29 April 2025 – Global specialty coffee powerhouse %Arabica is officially entering the Australian market by opening its first flagship store at The Exchange, Darling Square, Sydney this May.
This marks the beginning of a planned national expansion, with future locations being considered in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Founded in Kyoto in 2014 by Kenneth Shoji, %Arabica has rapidly established a premium presence with over 175 locations across 21 countries. The brand is widely recognized for its minimalistic design, precision-brewed coffee, and immersive in-store experience that appeals to a design-conscious and quality-driven demographic.
The Australian expansion is led by King Ong, the master franchisee who successfully launched %Arabica in Malaysia. Ong’s long-term strategy includes a gradual rollout of stores in key metropolitan areas, emphasizing flagship retail experiences and strong local partnerships.
“Australia has a deeply entrenched coffee culture, and we believe %Arabica’s focus on quality, aesthetics, and experience will set a new benchmark,” said Ong. “This launch is more than just a store; it’s the beginning of a premium coffee franchise network tailored for Australia’s discerning market.”
The Sydney flagship store, located in a high-footfall urban district, features the brand’s signature design ethos: clean white counters, natural wood finishes, and open layouts that showcase the coffee-making process. It will also house a coffee lab for customer engagement, education, and innovation.
With its proven franchise model and global brand recognition, %Arabica presents a compelling opportunity for prospective franchise partners and multi-site operators interested in premium food and beverage concepts.
(source: %Arabica)