Friendly Fire Accelerates Global Expansion with Three New Locations in Croatia, Austria and Cyprus

Leading esports and gaming cafe franchise Friendly Fire has announced a major leap in its international footprint, orchestrating the simultaneous launch of three new high-profile locations across Croatia, Austria, and Cyprus.

This multi-market expansion marks a decisive milestone for the brand as it capitalizes on a recent €4 million Series A funding round led by AYMO Ventures to fuel its high-tech, community-driven retail ecosystem worldwide.

Three Nations, One Global Standard

The triple-location launch introduces the Friendly Fire experience to completely new territories while reinforcing its stronghold in established European markets:

• Limassol, Cyprus: Marking Friendly Fire’s official debut in Cyprus, this flagship venue is positioned to capture the country’s burgeoning tech-savvy youth demographic and competitive gaming community.

• Rijeka, Croatia: Strengthening its home-market dominance, this opening establishes Friendly Fire’s first major gaming hub in Croatia’s Northern Adriatic region.

• Vienna, Austria: Expanding rapidly in Central Europe, the brand has opened its third premium outlet in the Austrian capital, proving the scalable demand for its urban social entertainment spaces.

A Tech-Powered Growth Engine

Friendly Fire stands out in the global entertainment sector by developing its own proprietary software and custom hardware ecosystems. Every hub features specialized gaming chairs, high-spec computers, and a seamless user interface designed to maximize operational efficiency for franchise partners while providing a uniform, premium environment for casual and professional players alike.

With these three additions, the company's network scales to 22 active venues operating across 6 countries.

Eyes on the Global Horizon

The simultaneous European launches serve as a strategic warm-up for Friendly Fire’s broader international ambitions. Backed by extensive master franchise agreements, the company is on track to enter 11 different countries with more than 200 contracted locations slated for development over the coming years. Central to this strategic roadmap is the brand's highly anticipated entry into the competitive United States market.

For retail operators and entrepreneurs, Friendly Fire’s distinct turnkey business model offers an organized entry into the rapidly growing global esports market, valued at billions of dollars annually.

💰 Investment & Space Requirements

Friendly Fire operates a turn-key franchise model built around its proprietary software and custom hardware ecosystem. The financial and spatial commitments vary slightly by region:

Financial Breakdown

• United States Market: The estimated initial investment ranges from $218,400 to $390,685. This comprehensive estimate includes an initial franchise fee of $49,500, along with capital for leasehold improvements, technology setup, and starting inventory.

• European Market: The total investment typically spans between €70,000 and €250,000, which includes a €15,000 initial franchise fee.

• Ongoing Royalties: Franchisees pay a 10% royalty fee on all gaming/station-use revenue and a lower 3% royalty fee on food, beverage, and retail product sales.

Space & Infrastructure Specifications

• Size: Outlets require a footprint of 1,500 to 3,200 sq. ft. (approximately 100 to 300 square meters).

• Capacity: This square footage is designed to comfortably house 40 to 60 gaming stations, including premium PC setups, PlayStation/Xbox console lounges, and high-fidelity racing simulators.

• Location Requirements: High-visibility urban areas, university towns, or entertainment districts with high youth foot traffic are strictly preferred.

🇺🇸 United States Expansion Strategy

With the closing of its €4 million ($4.7 million) Series A funding round led by AYMO Ventures, entering the North American market has officially become Friendly Fire’s primary growth objective.

• Target Timeline: The brand is actively working toward anchoring its first physical U.S. location by late 2026 / early 2027.

• Geographic Focus: Initial expansion efforts are heavily concentrated in Florida and Texas. These states were strategically chosen due to their booming tech sectors, favorable business environments, and massive collegiate gaming demographics. Concurrently, early-stage site and partner discussions are underway in major hubs like Boston.

• Franchisee Profile: Unlike its European model, which accommodates smaller single-unit operators, Friendly Fire is prioritizing Multi-Unit Area Developers in the U.S. They are looking for well-capitalized franchise partners capable of scaling 3 to 5 hubs in a specific metropolitan region.