Starbucks Celebrated Local Connections and Global Standards at New Ballito Store

Ballito, South Africa – Starbucks, a global leader in artisanal coffee and food offerings, celebrated the opening of its latest store in the heart of the picturesque coastal neighbourhood of Ballito. Under the strategic leadership of Starbucks South Africa MD Leah McCrae, the new store elevated the coffee culture in Ballito, showcasing Starbucks' unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

A Haven of Handcrafted Excellence Amidst Coastal Charm

Positioned near the stunning Willard Beach, the Starbucks Ballito store is a testament to the brand's dedication to handcrafted quality. "Our new store in Ballito is a vibrant reflection of the artisanal spirit that Starbucks embodies," stated Leah. "We brought our unique blend of high-quality coffee, a range of cold beverages that are unique to Starbucks globally and freshly made food to this beautiful small town."

Embracing Ballito's Unique Lifestyle and Community

The store design incorporated elements of Ballito's coastal lifestyle, offering a serene and inviting space. The Ballito store is a hub for both overseas guests and the broader mix of young families, professionals and retirees that make up the town's demographics. "Ballito's blend of upscale living and relaxed atmosphere aligned perfectly with the Starbucks experience," Leah explained. "Whether you're a holidaymaker or a local, our store offers something for everyone with our signature handcrafted touch."

Celebrating Summer with a Special Collaboration

The opening of Starbucks Ballito coincided with the vibrant Matric Rage, offering matric students a fresh and safe spot to meet up for their "moments in between" the partying. It was a place to recharge and re-energise during the day.

The opening event was also marked by an exciting collaboration with Havaianas. The first five guests in line on that Saturday received hampers valued at R1200, kickstarting the summer and the holidays. These hampers included branded Starbucks gift bags and festive ornaments, a R300 Havaianas gift card, and a set of the iconic Starbucks reusable cups.

Guests queued outside of the centre from 4 a.m. to be the first in line, with the first guest also receiving a month’s worth of free coffee on the Starbucks Rewards app!

Meet the Store Manager

As guests stepped into Starbucks Ballito, they were greeted by the warm and welcoming presence of our store manager, Moki Ndzimande, a seasoned coffee enthusiast with a deep connection to the local community. Growing up in Matatiele and now living in Groutville, Moki's journey to Starbucks began with a passion for coffee and a serendipitous meeting in 2017. "To me, being a Partner, what employees are called at Starbucks, means bringing ownership, equality and accountability into every cup we serve," Moki said.

Your Invitation to Discover Artisanal Coffee Culture

"I was thrilled to invite everyone to our opening on the 18th of November," said Moki. "Join us at Starbucks Ballito to enjoy our exquisite range of handcrafted coffees and delicacies, we always love hosting coffee tasting experiences with our guests! It's not just about the beverages; it’s about the entire Starbucks experience, and we couldn't wait to share it with you."

Did you know?

Starbucks coffee is 99% ethically sourced and accredited by Conservation International under the C.A.F.E. Practices programme. Starbucks is committed to ethically sourcing coffee worldwide and including exceptional coffee from nine African countries – Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Zambia, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For more information, visit www.starbucks.co.za.

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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

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with almost 33,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of speciality coffee globally. We bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles. To share the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at  www.starbucks.co.za.  Social media details @Starbucks_SA on Instagram, Twitter @Starbucks_SA Tik Tok @Starbucks_SA and @StarbucksSouthAfrica on Facebook