Havana Roasters Coffee Companies Inc. (OTC: NAFSD) announced it has granted a license to HRC Hospitality Corp. to operate the first branded cafe under the Havana Roasters Coffee Cuban Bakery & Sandwich Bar banner in Hollywood, California. The flagship location, nearing completion, is expected to commence operations at the end of Q1 2026. This milestone advances the Company's retail strategy by establishing a replicable operating model for future expansion.
The license authorizes HRC Hospitality Corp. to use all Havana Roasters Coffee™ branded products, intellectual property, and operating concepts at the Hollywood site and future locations. Havana Roasters Coffee Companies Inc. will receive a licensing fee and an equity stake in this location, centralizing brand ownership while allowing operational flexibility. HRC Hospitality Corp. acquired the lease in 2024 and has since completed an extensive build-out to create a model store intended to serve as a template for licensed, company-owned, or franchised outlets.
The cafe will feature Cuban-style gourmet coffee, a 24-hour walk-up window, a sandwich bar, and a bakery with company-made pastelitos and desserts. Cuban-style coffee remains one of the most recognized ethnic coffee traditions in the U.S. but is largely fragmented, presenting an opportunity for a branded, scalable concept. The flagship is designed for replication, integrating proprietary coffee products, standardized food offerings, and a repeatable retail format. It will function as a live testing and training environment to refine customer experience, staff training, and unit economics.
Gabriel Martinez, Chairman and CEO of Havana Roasters Coffee Companies Inc., stated, "The Hollywood flagship marks an important step forward in executing our retail strategy. This location allows us to validate our operating model, refine our customer experience, and establish a scalable foundation for future growth." He added that beyond direct revenue, the cafe serves as a strategic asset for product innovation and brand visibility.
The launch complements the Company's multi-channel growth strategy, which includes wholesale distribution, consumer packaged goods, e-commerce, and future franchise opportunities. Nearly half of American coffee consumption is specialty coffee, underscoring growing consumer interest in premium formats. By operating a flagship in a high-visibility market, HRC gains direct-to-consumer insights to enhance brand positioning. More information is available at thehrccompanies.com.
The initial launch will be supported by a phased marketing program, followed by a formal grand opening and community events in Hollywood. The Company believes its purpose-built approach differentiates it from other Cuban cafes, which often operate locally without a scalable model.
