Because they had no previous entrepreneurial experience, the two spouses were looking for an idea that they could put into practice with low risks and where they would be helped and guided. In the end, Cristian and Cici chose to apply for the 5 to go franchise.

"There was a moment, after the pandemic, when we thought we could do something else outside of the profession we had and we decided to start this business," explains Cristian. "We realized there's an almost insurmountable advantage because you're operating with a brand behind you, and that's why we chose the franchise."

Before taking this step, the Ionescus thoroughly documented themselves, sought opinions, entered the 5 to go website and visited many cafes of the network, in order to get to know closely what this experience means. "We liked what we saw and finally decided it was worth a shot," says Cristian

Location, location, location

The main challenge that Cristian and his wife, Cici, faced was finding the right place. At a first assessment, the space they originally targeted and thought was a good location for a cafe, turned out not to meet the 5 to go requirements.

For this reason, the Ionescus resumed the search, which required a longer period of time. But eventually they managed to identify a new space, which this time fit the standard of a 5 to go location.

"The fact that we managed to find the space in which we operate was the trigger, of course, after it was validated by the people from 5 to go", says Cristian. "We can't say that the beginning was easy for us, but it was certainly unique. The training we did was very helpful, but also because we had a special person from 5 to go, Ioana, who stayed with us a few days after the opening, it was extraordinary."

Pleasant surprise

After a slower start, the new cafe opened by the Ionescus managed to attract customers from the vicinity, who gradually became loyal customers. Along the way, many of them welcomed the idea of having a 5 to go cafe nearby and congratulated the two entrepreneurs.

"For us, the constant interaction with the people who enter our cafe is an extraordinary thing, and the fact that they come and leave with a smile on their face is the ultimate satisfaction. One of the most pleasant surprises was when we received thematic drawings related to the cafe from the children who visit us."