Sphera Franchise Group has marked the entry of the Taco Bell brand into the Republic of Moldova market by inaugurating its first restaurant in Chișinău, strengthening its regional presence. This opening comes on the back of solid performance by the group’s operations in the region and is supported by an ambitious investment plan for 2026, aimed at expanding the network in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Italy.
The new Taco Bell unit, located in the food court area of the Shopping Malldova shopping center, required an investment of approximately EUR 600,000. This represents Sphera’s second opening in the Republic of Moldova this year, following the KFC restaurant in Bălți, inaugurated at the end of March 2026. In 2025, the Moldovan market recorded the fastest growth in the group’s portfolio, with sales of EUR 5.44 million (RON 28.3 million), representing 1.8% of Sphera’s total business, and an operating profit of EUR 0.85 million (RON 4.4 million) for the KFC division.
From a financial perspective, the General Shareholders’ Meeting approved the distribution of the net profit of EUR 19.43 million (RON 101.01 million) obtained last year. The amount of EUR 7.88 million (RON 40.99 million) will be directed to shareholders in the form of dividends, with a gross value of EUR 0.20 (RON 1.06) per share and a payment date set for June 10. The dividend yield is estimated between 2% and 2.32%, depending on the reference price. At the same time, the group approved contracting a loan of maximum EUR 27 million from Raiffeisen Bank to finance development.
The expansion strategy for 2026 provides for an investment budget of approximately EUR 25 million (RON 130 million) for the opening of 21 new restaurants. The plan includes 11 units in Romania (KFC, Taco Bell, and Hard Rock Cafe brands), two in the Republic of Moldova, and eight in Italy (KFC and Cioccolatitaliani). Sphera will also continue investments in digitalization and the modernization of existing units, operating under a scenario that takes into account an inflation rate of approximately 6% for next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the first Taco Bell restaurant in the Republic of Moldova opened?
The first Taco Bell restaurant in the Republic of Moldova was inaugurated in the food court area of the Shopping Malldova shopping center in Chișinău.
What is the total value of the investments planned by Sphera for 2026?
Sphera Franchise Group has budgeted approximately EUR 25 million for the opening of 21 new restaurants in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Italy.
What dividends will Sphera shareholders receive this year?
Shareholders will receive gross dividends of RON 1.06 (EUR 0.20) per share, with the payment date set for June 10.