Havana Roasters Coffee Companies Inc. (OTC: NAFSD) announced today that it has granted a license to HRC Hospitality Corp. to operate the company's first branded cafe under the Havana Roasters Coffee Cuban Bakery & Sandwich Bar in Hollywood, California. This flagship location represents a significant step in the company's retail and brand expansion strategy.
The license authorizes HRC Hospitality Corp. to use all Havana Roasters Coffee branded products, intellectual property, and operating concepts at the Hollywood location and at future sites developed under the company's guidance. Havana Roasters Coffee Companies Inc. will receive a licensing fee and participate through a negotiated equity stake in this location. This structure centralizes brand ownership at the parent level while enabling operational flexibility as HRC expands its retail footprint.
HRC Hospitality Corp. acquired the lease for the Hollywood location in 2024 and has since completed an extensive build-out to create a model cafe. The location is designed to serve as the company's flagship retail showcase and as a standardized operating template for future licensed, company-owned, or franchised stores. The new store will feature uniquely 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 is one of the most widely recognized ethnic coffee traditions in the U.S. yet remains largely fragmented, creating an opportunity for a branded, scalable concept built on authenticity.
The company is nearing completion of the build-out and expects to commence operations at the end of Q1 2026. The initial launch will be supported by a phased marketing program, followed by a formal grand opening and targeted media and community engagement events in the Hollywood market. The flagship location is designed for replication, reflecting more than a year of development focused on delivering an authentic Cuban-style Ventanita experience integrated into a modern, efficient cafe environment. HRC believes Havana Roasters Coffee is differentiated by its purpose-built approach to scalability, combining proprietary coffee products, standardized food offerings, and a repeatable retail format.
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, "Beyond direct revenue generation, this cafe serves as a strategic asset, supporting product innovation, brand visibility, and disciplined expansion across high-traffic urban markets."
The Hollywood retail launch complements the company's broader multi-channel growth strategy, which includes wholesale distribution, consumer packaged goods, e-commerce, hospitality services, and future franchise opportunities. Nearly half of American coffee consumption is specialty coffee, underscoring growing consumer interest in premium formats. By operating a flagship location in a high-visibility market, HRC gains direct-to-consumer insights that may enhance brand positioning and accelerate commercialization across channels. More information is available at thehrccompanies.com.
