Cape Town has joined the list of cities around the world in which you will find a Starbucks store, courtesy of its newly opened store in Canal Walk – the first of six to open in the next four weeks.

In a first for Starbucks, Capetonians who had pre-booked their spot to be among the first to experience Starbucks on home soil were treated to an exclusive first taste of high-quality arabica coffee. With Covid restrictions in mind and to ensure the safety of customers, the store opened with four days of slots available for fans to pre-book their introduction to Starbucks.

“Starbucks store openings around the world are usually greeted with long queues of excited, eager fans,” says CEO of Rand Capital, the licensee of Starbucks in South Africa. “Our greatest priority is the health and wellbeing of our customers and partners, so we decided to turn the challenge presented by Covid into an opportunity to give our customers a more personal, exclusive experience.”

Fans quickly snapped up available slots for opening day on 19 November, and 40 customers per half hour session got to hear about the craftsmanship and ethical sourcing that goes into each beverage directly from the new baristas, known as Starbucks partners.

The very first Capetonian customer to sample Starbucks on Cape soil was 6 year old Nicela Naude who says “I have been dreaming of going to Starbucks all my life, I am so excited!”

Starbucks coffee is 99% ethically sourced and accredited by Conservation International under the C.A.F.E. Practices programme. The coffee, which is organised into three roast profiles – Starbucks® Blonde Roast, medium roast and dark roast – is sourced from coffee farmers in countries spanning the globe. Our coffee buyers personally travel to coffee farms in Latin America, Africa and Asia to select high quality beans. And our master roasters bring out the balance and rich flavor of the beans through the signature Starbucks Roast,” says Teddy Nzama, Starbucks 2019 Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Barista Champion.

To book your Starbucks launch experience in one of the participating Cape Town stores, go to http://ct.starbucks.co.za/. Pre-bookings are available for the opening weekends at Canal Walk (19 - 22 November), Cavendish Square (28 & 29 November), Tyger Valley (5 December) and V&A Waterfront (10 to 13 December). Also opening in December is Starbucks at FreshX Stellenbosch on 12 December and Starbucks Camps Bay on 15 December.

Here’s what the first Capetonians through Starbucks Canal Walk’s doors who attended a sneak preview on Tuesday had to say:

Kelly_kikx: “We’ve been waiting years for this moment and it has arrived. @canalwalk… keep my seat warm! See you soon, maybe even daily…”

Aaron Perry: “Starbucks is definitely a home, from walking in to ordering your favourite menu item. You will always have a smile when you’re there. I absolutely love Starbucks.”

Pablo Pareti: “The first Starbucks in Cape Town, at Canal Walk is superb. Great service, and the deco is awesome! Never have I felt so at home, in a coffee store! Look forward to seeing more Starbucks openings in Cape Town!”

Tegan Smith (photographer): “I love the Cape Town elements that have been added to the decor making one feel like they’re in a beautiful international Starbucks venue but very much at home.”

Aminah With Love Blooming Rose (blogger): “Starbucks canal walk absolutely exceeded my expectations, the decor is a mixture of warmth and style, staff is extremely friendly, COVID complaint and I had an overall great experience.”

Zeenah (@mother.of.7): "I am so thrilled that Starbucks has finally opened in Cape Town. I am definitely visiting every store. Mommy coffee dates have just gotten an upgrade!"

Azza Awaldien (@azza_awaldien): "I'm so excited that Starbucks is finally in the mother city! The Canal Walk store looks spectacular and has the friendliest staff. I'm definitely going to be a regular to get my caffeine fix!"

Shayna Lee, Familee and me blogger describes the festive atmosphere, saying, “The perfect venue to just escape, kick back and relax! A merry atmosphere, the perfect kick off to a beautiful festive season ahead! 2020 is finally looking up!”

_sammydimples: “Such friendly staff, and the store is so aesthetically pleasing! What better way to get my day started?”

Don’t forget to share your Starbucks experience with your friends online using the hashtag #carrythemerrywithstarbucks. And remember to book your slot before they’re all taken!

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ISSUED ON BEHALF OF STARBUCKS BY ANGELFISH PR & EVENTS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ANNIE HODES ON 083 325 4445.

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at  www.starbucks.co.za.