Starbucks Nelspruit Welcomed by Community as New Store Becomes a Hub of Coffee Culture and Connection

This shows that the Nelspruit community is ready for a new experience that brings warmth, energy and connection to their daily lives, says the company.

Jacques van den Berg, National Operations Manager, Rand Capital Coffee Licensee Starbucks SA, says that the reception Starbucks has receives in Nelspruit shows that the community is ready for the brand.

Starbucks is just as excited to set down roots in its very first location in Mpumalanga. It's about bringing great coffee to this corner of South Africa and giving residents a chance to enjoy the experience. It also means that the thousands of people who travel through it on their way to attractions like the Kruger National, Mozambique, Eswatini and for those going to, or coming from, the Mbombela Stadium, have the opportunity to visit the location, says the company.

Starbucks says they chose I'langa Mall as the location for its first Mpumalanga store, because it has a vibrant energy which matches the brand. It's also visited by hundreds of Nelspruit residents every day, and Starbucks aims to give each of them a spot to take a pause from a busy day, catch up with friends, or find a quiet place to focus on deadlines. Starbucks invites people to soak up the sun in an atmosphere where they feel right at home, adds the company.

The store's Partners — as Starbucks' baristas are known — go a long way to fostering that feeling. Each has been handpicked to join the Nelspruit team; chosen for their skill and for knack of making each customer feel seen and heard. Starbucks says that they are the heartbeat of the new store, taking pride in every handcrafted drink they hand over to their customers, says the company.

Jeanett Motshoene, who heads the team, agrees that they are an important part of the Starbucks experience. Jeanett has been a part of the Starbucks family for four years; now, as store manager at I’langa Mall, saying she is happy to be able to build the Nelspruit community.

"We're so happy to be bringing this much-loved brand to people who enjoy trying something new and different. We hope they taste that in every sip — and we want every sip to feel like something new and, yet, instantly like home,” concludes Motshoene.

For more information, visit www.starbucks.co.za. You can also follow Starbucks on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor