France's favourite coffee shop is winning over the hearts of Canada one mug at time, as Columbus Café & Co announces exciting plans for 2025, which include two marquee locations confirmed to open in Q1 and an additional 20 in the works.
With more than 250 "dens" in seven countries, Columbus Café & Co is evolving into a global power brand and Canada is poised to play a key role in the company's growth strategy.
Think Retail is thrilled to work with Columbus Café & Co Canada president Maxime Mayant, and his team and we look forward to ensuring the company reaches its goal of opening 20 locations here in 2025.
The group is preparing to open its 14th and 15th sites and has signed deals to take over a 1,300-sq.-ft. former Starbucks in Mont Tremblant that will open in Q1 2025, as will at 800 sq.-ft. café at Montreal Premium Outlets.
Founded in 1994, Columbus Café & Co offers premium coffee products and extensive menu-sandwiches, salads and breakfast items, plus an array of quality baked goods and sweet treats-housed in sunny, bright, inviting spaces where customers can grab quick bite or enjoy a meal with friends.
In 2001, the company opened its first café outside of France-in Brussels-and in 2020 made its North American debut on Mont-Royal Avenue in Montreal. In 2023, the brand made its Ontario debut, its first Toronto location, at 283 Adelaide St. W. in the PJ Condos tower.
Soon after, Columbus Café & Co announced an exciting deal with Indigo, that involved a multi-unit shop-in-shop roll out. One is now open at Quartier Dix3 in Brossard, Que. and another in the Cambridge Centre in Cambridge, Ont.
This is just the beginning for the company, as it targets several areas for expansion in Montreal, including:

- Cote des Neiges
- Notre Dame West
- Masson Blvd
- St-Viateur
- Laurier/Papineau
- Vieux Rosemont
- Beaubien
- Rachel/St Michel
- Molson Park
- Downton
- South Shore
In addition, expect an announcement soon about a second Toronto location-looking ahead the company seeks to expand in high-traffic areas through the GTA.For Columbus Café & Co, ideal spaces are 1,300 to 1,750 sq. ft. and the preference is for corner locations and/or drive thru opportunities along high streets, as well as super regional malls and other busy areas. Kiosks in malls and office towers are also of interest. Cultivating the spirit of the café next door, Columbus Café & Co is the perfect addition to any neighbourhood, attracting customers throughout the dayparts. For more information about Columbus Café & Co's Canadian expansion, contact the Think Retail Team.