Japanese specialty coffee chain % Arabica has announced its plans to return to France in 2024, starting with the opening of “several” stores in Paris.

The brand said on its Instagram account that it will then expand to other parts of France. 

“We look forward to sharing our simple passion for coffee and design with you again,” it added.

% Arabica debuted in France in 2019 with two stores in Paris and reached three stores in the market before exiting last year. 

In July, the chain unveiled its plans to expand in Europe in 2024 through a franchise partnership with premium retail business Soho Middle East.  

Under the agreement, the brand will roll out in countries including France, Germany, Portugal, and Greece. It was also reportedly in discussions for expanding further in the Netherlands.

As of October, % Arabica had about 163 stores across 23 countries and territories. In Europe, the brand only had four locations in the UK.

The coffee chain’s website also lists Hungary, Spain and Turkey among its next market entries.