Reborn Coffee Secures $1 Million Deal to Launch in South Korea

Dubai, 14 August 2025 – (Qahwa World) – U.S.-based specialty coffee chain Reborn Coffee Inc. (NASDAQ: REBN) has signed a $1 million exclusive licensing agreement with Reborn Korea Co., Ltd. to establish and operate branded coffee shops across South Korea, marking the company’s official entry into one of the world’s most dynamic coffee markets.

Under the agreement, Reborn Korea will lead store development, operations, and brand growth in the country, bringing the company’s signature cold brew, sprouted coffee, and artisanal bakery offerings to local consumers. Menus will be adapted to suit South Korean tastes and café culture.

Flagship Store in Central Seoul

The first location is set to open this autumn in Gwanghwamun, directly opposite the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a major historical landmark. The three-story flagship headquarters at 24 Yulgok-ro will combine:

  • Ground floor: spacious café and bakery corner

  • Second floor: roasting research lab and interactive sprouted coffee zone

  • Third floor: training facilities for baristas and bakers, plus administrative offices
    Guests will also have access to panoramic rooftop and terrace views of Gwanghwamun and Bugaksan mountain.

A company representative described the venue as “a new landmark where premium coffee meets artisan baking, offering a full 4th Wave coffee experience in the heart of Seoul.”

Nationwide Rollout Planned

Following the flagship launch, Reborn Korea plans to open directly operated outlets in Gwangjin, Nami Island, and Bundang, before expanding to other key cities by the end of the year. The strategy aims to create a nationwide retail network and attract potential franchisees.

Why South Korea?

South Korea ranks third globally in per capita coffee consumption, driven by a vibrant café scene and strong demand for high-quality coffee. This makes it a strategic target for Reborn Coffee’s global expansion.

Part of a Wider Global Push

This move follows the company’s recent licensing agreements in the Middle East, China’s Guangdong and Liaoning provinces, and new market entries in Georgia and Armenia.

“Reborn Coffee” allocates one million dollars for global expansion with entry into the markets of the UAE and Korea

California-based “Reborn Coffee” has announced a one million US dollar investment commitment from its Chairman, Farooq Arjomand, to expand globally, with plans to open stores in the UAE and South Korea.

This investment from the company’s chairman is considered a “significant endorsement,” expressing appreciation for the company’s current value and growth opportunities. Following the successful opening of its first international store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November 2023, “Reborn Coffee” aims for further expansion into the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.

Farooq Arjomand expressed his confidence in the company’s mission and vision, stating, “My commitment to Reborn Coffee is more than just a financial decision; it’s confirmation of my belief in our mission and vision for the future. The coffee market is evolving rapidly, and I am confident that Reborn Coffee will continue to lead the way with its innovative approaches and dedication to quality.”

It is expected that this announcement will be followed by additional expansion into Singapore and Indonesia, as well as the opening of a store in Dubai, UAE, and Daejeon, South Korea.

“Reborn Coffee” currently operates 14 stores in California and one location in Malaysia. The company plans to open two flagship stores in California cities, San Francisco and San Diego, this year, alongside its first locations outside the state in Texas and Missouri.

In July 2023, “Reborn Coffee” secured a one million dollar credit facility from real estate development firm DRE Inc. to accelerate company initiatives, including new products, outlet expansion, and e-commerce operations. Dennis Egidi, Founder of DRE Inc., serves as Vice Chairman on Reborn Coffee’s Board of Directors.

As part of its international expansion plans, in October 2023, “Reborn Coffee” entered into a strategic partnership with Millennium Hotel in Abu Dhabi, aiming to open a store in the hotel this year and approximately 10 stores in the UAE within five years. This strategic alliance aims to bring “Reborn Coffee’s” unparalleled quality, innovation, and sustainability to the UAE.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of the Singapore-listed global real estate company City Developments Limited (CDL), manages 29 premium hotels across the UAE and has a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

This partnership marks another significant step for “Reborn Coffee” towards opening its first international stores. The specialty coffee roaster and café group completed a $7.2 million IPO in August 2022 and, in December of the same year, acquired a coffee shop, roastery, and R&D facility in Daejeon, South Korea, intending to house its first international store, expected to open before the end of 2023.

Founded in 2015 by Jay Kim, “Reborn Coffee” posted net revenues of $2.6 million and a net loss of $2.3 million for the six months ending on June 30, 2023. Despite the net loss, the company remains optimistic about its future, supported by its commitment to quality and its strategic vision for global success.

The “Reborn Coffee” café chain is preparing to enter the UAE markets via Abu Dhabi

The famous American café chain Reborn Coffee is preparing to enter the markets of the United Arab Emirates, via Abu Dhabi, through a new partnership with the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi.

In a groundbreaking licensing agreement, Reborn Coffee is all set to establish its presence in the heart of the UAE by launching its first coffee shop at the luxurious Millennium Al Rawdha Hotel. But that’s not all; the deal encompasses a grander vision. Reborn Coffee is also exploring opportunities for roasting and warehousing facilities to support the rollout of a minimum of ten retail locations within the next five years.

This partnership, touted as a “strategic alliance,” is poised to make a significant impact by capitalizing on Sheikh Hamed’s local expertise and the Millennium Hotel’s ideal location for Reborn Coffee’s expansion aspirations.

Jay Kim, the CEO of Reborn Coffee, expressed his excitement about this venture, stating, “We are truly honored to join forces with Sheikh Hamed and his Millennium Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Together, we aim to elevate the coffee experience in the UAE by delivering Reborn Coffee’s unparalleled quality, innovation, and sustainability.”

The Millennium Hotels and Resorts group, a subsidiary of Hong Kong’s City Developments Limited (CDL), which is listed in Singapore, manages 29 premium hotels across the UAE and has a strong presence in other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

This partnership marks a significant stride for Reborn Coffee towards its international expansion goals. The renowned specialty coffee roaster and café chain already boasts 14 successful locations in California and went public with a $7.2 million IPO in August 2022. In December of the same year, they acquired a coffee shop, roastery, and research and development facility in Daejeon, South Korea, with plans to open their first international store by the end of 2023. Notably, in July 2023, Reborn Coffee secured a $1 million credit facility from DRE Inc. to further fuel the brand’s global expansion.

Established in 2015 by Jay Kim, Reborn Coffee reported net revenues of $2.6 million and a net loss of $2.3 million for the six months ending on June 30, 2023.