Mixue’s affordable coffee chain, Lucky Cup, has reportedly surpassed 10,000 stores, becoming one of the largest coffee chains in China behind Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee. 

Founded in 2017, Lucky Cup focuses on drinks priced under US$1, positioning itself as a budget-friendly option for students, workers and customers in smaller Chinese cities. 

The chain operated more than 7000 locations in China during the first half of the year. In August, it opened its first international store in Malaysia, where nearly 2000 cups were reportedly sold on opening day.

The brand’s growth comes as Mixue adjusts its overseas operations. Mixue reported operating more than 53,000 stores globally in the first half of the year, with most of its expansion still concentrated in China, especially in second- and third-tier cities. 

The company also closed Mixue stores in Indonesia and Vietnam, saying the move was necessary “to support long-term, sustainable and stable operations.”

Despite those closures, Mixue’s Vietnam unit reported strong franchise interest. At its 2025 National Franchisee Conference, held in late November, the company signed 93 new franchise contracts.

A key part of Mixue’s strategy is a shift from its traditional small-store format to a larger, more modern model. New and renovated stores feature open bar counters, improved customer flow, contemporary facades and larger floor plans.

Mixue continues to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, focusing on strengthening existing operations while entering new markets selectively. The company operated 4733 international stores in the first half of the year, an increase of 128 from the same period last year.