Sphera Franchise Group, the largest group in the food service industry in Romania, is taking Taco Bell brand into the Republic of Moldova, with the opening of a new food court restaurant within Shopping MallDova in Chișinău. The new unit is set to open in the second quarter of 2026.
The expansion is part of the regional growth strategy of Sphera Franchise Group, which will continue across all three markets where it operates, Romania, Italy and the Republic of Moldova, throughout 2026.
The Republic of Moldova becomes the second market in the region where Sphera operates Taco Bell, after Romania. Since acquiring the franchise in 2017, the company has built a strong operational model, delivered solid results and established a relevant position in the QSR segment.
“The expansion of Taco Bell into the Republic of Moldova is a natural next step in our regional growth. We are already present locally through KFC, we have established teams on the ground, we understand the market dynamics, and we build on the experience gained in Romania, where we have developed Taco Bell into a brand with strong traction and relevance. Our goal is to replicate this model with the same operational discipline and the same strong focus on customer experience,” said Călin Ionescu, CEO of Sphera Franchise Group.
Through this investment, the company will contribute to the local economy in Chișinău by partnering with local suppliers and collaborators, as well as by creating new jobs within the community.
Taco Bell brings to the Moldovan market a portfolio of Mexican-inspired products and a distinctive, fresh and dynamic brand experience, in the spirit of “Live Más,” appealing primarily to urban consumers connected to international trends.
“For us, Taco Bell stands for energy, boldness and doing things differently. It is a brand that naturally resonates with younger generations who are looking for experiences, not just products. We are entering Chișinău with a vibrant concept, bold design and a menu that encourages exploration and customization. We want the restaurant within Shopping MallDova to become a go-to meeting place for young people and a space where they can discover new flavors,” said Costică Mișaca, Administrator, Taco Bell and KFC Moldova.
This expansion is part of a broader strategic effort to consolidate and diversify the portfolio of Sphera Franchise Group.
Recently, the company acquired the franchise rights for Hard Rock Cafe, opened its first Cioccolatitaliani unit under the Sphera umbrella, and continued expanding the KFC network, with new restaurants opened in Udine, Italy, and Bucharest.
Through these initiatives, Sphera Franchise Group is strengthening its European footprint and continuing the sustainable, long-term development of the brands in its portfolio.
Currently, Taco Bell operates 18 restaurants in Romania, across 10 cities: Bucharest, Brașov, Constanța, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Timișoara, Ploiești, Bacău, Iași and Craiova.