ZUS Coffee plans to double the number of its outlets, from 190 to 380, across Malaysia by the end of 2023 with a presence across every state in Malaysia including selected petrol stations and airports.

In contrast, Starbucks targets 400 outlets across Malaysia by its current financial year in June 2023 opening 40 more outlets while The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) aimed to reach 140 stores in Malaysia by the end of 2022 and plans to open 40 new outlets in the country in 2023. 

However, Zus Coffee’s aspirations also put it in direct competition with Costa Coffee which is available at over 300 locations in Malaysia including petrol stations, airports, convenience stores, supermarkets, hotels, and more.

Now in its 4th year of operation in Malaysia, the company recently launched its Zus Coffee Academy in Tropicana Gardens Mall, it claims to have created 1,500 jobs, and looks to double the number of jobs created as well which is to be expected when they open new outlets.

Personally, I think each overpriced coffee joint has their edge. Starbucks has the best atmosphere, CBTL has the best quality, and Costa Coffee has the Anglophiles by their pinky (and they have those automated machines too).

Zus Coffee on the other hand is growing outlets faster than those bubble tea mushrooms sprouting after the rain. It is good enough? Is it too much? Can they keep up the quality?

For now, the market feels saturated. But whoever’s your “Penny University” , you can’t go wrong with an independent local barrista instead.