Starbucks surpasses 50 stores in Colombia, opens its first drive-thru

Located on Cañas Gordas Avenue in southern Cali, the new drive-thru underscores Starbucks Colombia’s commitment to growth in the market and meeting customers’ needs for added convenience.

Colombia - Today, as part of its regional expansion plan, Alsea, the licensed retail operator of Starbucks in Colombia, is celebrating the opening of more than 50 Starbucks stores in Colombia and its first drive-thru store in the market, which is located in the city of Cali.

With the introduction of this new store format, Starbucks is evolving the customer experience to meet Colombian customers’ needs of convenience, connection and personalization while creating new and meaningful customer experiences. The world's largest coffee chain has become one of Colombians’ favorite brands and a place for local customers to enjoy high-quality, 100% Colombian coffee, as well as a variety of beverages and food.

"This drive-thru opening in Cali – our first in the market – fills us with pride,” stated Juan Pablo Castaño, managing director of Alsea Colombia. “We began our operation in Colombia eight years ago. Now with over 50 stores, accompanied by significant investments in technology and infrastructure, we continue to maintain a business focused on service and exceeding the expectations and experiences of our millions of customers.”

Castaño also expressed that in favor of Starbucks commitment to the economic and sustainable development of Colombia, it is of the utmost importance for the company to continue serving 100% Colombian coffee in all handcrafted, espresso-based beverages.

With this new store built in Cali, a vibrant city in western Colombia and the world capital of salsa, Starbucks aims to balance speed and quality while differentiating the customer experience. Located at Cañas Gordas Avenue 18 #118-150 in Barrio Pance, which is near a university and just off a major road that connects to Cali’s southern neighborhoods, the drive-thru store is specially designed to provide a unique on-the-go experience in a safe and familiar way, while continuing to elevate the Starbucks Experience in relevant ways to local customers.

"This new space not only confirms our commitment to the Colombian market, but also our dedication to generate more jobs here in the capital of the Valley, with 18 new Starbucks Colombia partners (employees) joining our team," Castaño pointed out.

Since the brand arrived in Colombia in 2014, it has reinforced its commitment to the market and job creation. Starbucks Colombia now has more than 600 partners proudly wearing the green apron, of which 84 are based in Cali. Starbucks currently has a presence in Cali, Bogotá, Medellín,  Barranquilla, and Cartagena.  

The design of the store includes a mural by Colombian artist Alejandro Paucar in his unique style. The artwork is inspired by Cali and its people, by the local music and dance traditions. The painting aims to capture the joy and energy of the “carnival” as a celebration of life; the goal of the piece is to help uplift the everyday of Starbucks customers and partners in this new location.

Starbucks has always stood out for delivering innovative, unique and extraordinary experiences through coffee. The brand pays special attention to the customization of its products and has one of the largest portfolios within its category.

Starbucks Colombia remains committed to continue adapting its customer experience for on-the-go occasions through formats such as drive-thru in the market and across the region. Starbucks welcomes its customers at the new location Sunday to Thursday from 7am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday from 7am to 12pm.