• In a surprising move, Radu Savopol, the entrepreneur who transformed 5 to go into one of the most successful coffee shop chains in Romania, is turning his attention to a project full of nostalgia: the relaunch of the Lacto Bar concept.
This emblematic brand of the communist era, which disappeared from the Romanian landscape after 1989, is about to make a comeback, with an initial investment estimated between 50.000 and 100.000 euros for the first location, planned in the Amzei Square area of Bucharest.
Lacto Bar, which emerged in the 60s, was more than just a bar – it was a meeting point for generations of that time, a place where people enjoyed fresh dairy products and simple but memorable dishes. From polenta with cheese and sour cream, once sold for just 6 lei, to yogurts and pies, Lacto Bar was a brand that marked the urban culture of communist Romania. One of the most famous bars of this type was located in the center of Bucharest, next to the former Scala confectionery, and was known for its vibrant atmosphere and affordable offer.
Radu Savopol, inspired by this legacy, decided to bring Lacto Bar back to life, but in a version adapted to contemporary tastes and needs."We were looking for brands that would evoke nostalgia, and Lacto Bar was a perfect fit. After building over 600 5 to go cafes, it was time to explore new concepts that would bring something different to the market.", said the entrepreneur, quoted by Progressive Magazine.
A bet on emotion and innovation
The new Lacto Bar will not just be a reissue of the past, but a modern reinterpretation of the original concept. The menu will focus on dairy products, from yogurts and granola to quiches and baked pies. Customers will also find a variety of sandwiches and packaged dairy products for home consumption, designed to meet the dynamic lifestyle of today's consumer. This approach reflects Savopol's desire to combine brand authenticity with innovation, while maintaining a balance between quality and accessibility.
The relaunch of Lacto Bar comes at a time when consumers are increasingly attracted to brands that evoke emotions and stories. For many Romanians, Lacto Bar is more than a name – it is a memory of an era, of meetings with friends or of small everyday pleasures. Savopol is counting on this emotional connection, but also on its vast experience in HoReCa, to transform Lacto Bar into a success comparable to that of 5 to go.
The first location, to be opened in 2025 in Piața Amzei, will serve as a test of the concept. If the feedback is positive, plans include expanding to other areas of Bucharest and possibly other cities in the country. The initial investment, of up to 100.000 euros, covers the space layout, equipment and menu development, demonstrating the entrepreneur’s commitment to this ambitious project.
A story about courage and vision
Radu Savopol's initiative to bring Lacto Bar back to the market is an example of entrepreneurial courage and a deep understanding of market dynamics. After building a coffee empire with 5 to go, Savopol demonstrates that innovation is not just about creating from scratch, but also about the ability to reimagine and revitalize concepts with deep roots in collective memory. Lacto Bar by 5 to go promises to be more than just a place – a bridge between generations, combining nostalgia with modernity.
As Bucharest eagerly awaits the opening of the first location, one thing is certain: Radu Savopol is not only rewriting the story of a legendary brand, but is also contributing to shaping a new chapter in the Romanian gastronomic landscape.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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[…] in October, there is talk that a first reinvented lactobar will open in our capital, at Piața Amzei, with an investment of 50.000 – 100.000 euros. It is a spin-off, a […]