Starbucks has expanded its business on the South African market with a move into Cape Town, scheduled for later this year.
The news was announced by Adrian Maizey, owner and CEO of Rand Capital Coffee, the custodian of Starbucks in Southern Africa.
According to Maizey Starbucks’ launch into Cape Town was initially intended to happen in June.
When COVID-19 hit, Starbucks had to place the initiative on hold, triggering several hard decisions that affected all partners, and a mass round of lease renegotiations across the country.
We remain committed to our expansion strategy and vision, which is to provide all South Africans with an extraordinary experience and offering, from both a customer and partner perspective, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adrian Maizey, owner and CEO of Rand Capital Coffee
Starbucks Southern Africa is now starting on building its Cape Town team.
Rand Capital Coffee’s expansion journey will initially result in at least 50 permanent new job positions, with the additional employment of artisans, local artists, and construction contractors.
On the subject of store design and experience, Maizey said that the Cape Town stores would offer an experience consistent with the values and coffee shop atmosphere that Starbucks is known for internationally.
Starbucks opened in 1971 with a single store in Seattle. Now, the company has grown to more than 30,000 retail stores in 80 markets.
