Starbucks Continues Expansion in India with Opening Flagship Store

25 Nov 2013 --- Tata Starbucks Limited, the 50/50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Global Beverages Limited, today celebrates its entry into Bangalore. Celebrating the heritage of the city, this flagship store is located opposite Raheja Arcade, 7th Block, Koramangala in Bangalore and opens to customers on Saturday, November 23, 2013.

In addition to the flagship store at Koramangala, Tata Starbucks Limited will open two more stores by the end of the year at Phoenix Market City and Orion Mall at Brigade Gateway in Bangalore.

“We are excited to open our doors to customers in the beautiful garden city of Bangalore, extending the Starbucks Experience to more customers in India and celebrating India’s significant coffee heritage,” said John Culver, group president, Starbucks China and Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands. “We are incredibly humbled by the way in which customers in India have embraced Starbucks and we look forward to creating memorable moments of connection for customers in Bangalore. This important city entry demonstrates our long-term commitment to expand across India, providing an elevated coffeehouse experience to more customers.”

Speaking on the occasion, Avani Davda, ceo, Tata Starbucks Limited said, “We are thrilled to open the first Starbucks store in Bangalore, which promises to offer our customers a distinct third place and an unparalleled experience. This unique flagship store is beautifully designed to capture the essence of the rich coffee heritage in this region and honors the delightful style and tradition of the city. We are excited to open our 30th store in the market, adding Bangalore to our growing list of cities, which includes Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Pune. Each new store offers the opportunity to reach more customers in India and deliver high quality arabica coffee, handcrafted beverages made by passionate baristas, extensive food offerings and legendary service.”

Strategically located, the flagship store is spread over approximately 3,000 square feet and will be open to customers from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Inspired by the architectural style and tradition of the Bangalore Bungalow, the store design embraces the lush landscape and greenery of the “Garden City”. The store celebrates the artisans of Southern India by integrating locally sourced material, architectural treasures and antiques mostly found in traditional bungalows. The store also pays tribute to the significance of its location in Karnataka – the birthplace of coffee in India.

This store will introduce a strong mix of international favorites as well as specially designed food offerings to reflect local flavors, in addition to a broad beverage portfolio to include a wide range of Starbucks signature espresso-based beverages and Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew. The store will also offer a wide range of Starbucks merchandize and free Wi-Fi so customers can enjoy the unparalleled coffeehouse experience that Starbucks is known for around the globe.

Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 and currently operates 30 stores across India. Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - “A Tata Alliance”.