First Russian Starbucks Opens Next Month
August 31, 2007
The coffee mega-chain is set to open its first store just outside Moscow next month. The global chain is already established in China, Europe, and South America but has been slow in entering one of the world’s most populous nations due, in part, to a long running lawsuit with a Moscow lawyer who has tried to claim ownership to Starbucks’ trademark.
Russian culture has traditionally embraced tea but a handful Russian owned coffee chains have been growing rapidly. While several of the Russian coffee houses have alcohol on the menu it is unlikely that Starbucks will veer from its established offerings.
“It’s a powerhouse brand, and that will help overcome some of the hurdles that may be caused by coming in late,” said Lori Daytner, the Moscow-based chief executive of Rosinter Restaurants Holding, which runs T.G.I. Friday’s and other restaurants in Russia.
The country has “changed drastically in 15 years,” she said. “There are very strong Russian coffee brands here, and I like to see competitors because that shows the market is still growing.”
Read the Full Seattle Times article.
[…] Co. that shall not be named got more billing than we intended to give them by announcing their first foray into Russia as well as a new partnership with Tassimo for single-serving pod coffee. Speaking of partnerships, […]