Member Article

Starbucks create thousands of jobs with drive-thru model

Starbucks have revealed they intend to create 5,000 jobs across the UK, over the next five years.

The multinational coffee chain aims to capitalise on customer demand for ‘drive-thru’ stores, that offer high-street quality coffee on the road.

200 new drive-thru stores will be opened in the hope that the brand will corner this niche in the market.

David Cameron applauded the news as a boost for the private sector, and the economy as a whole.

Kris Engskov, managing director of Starbucks UK & Ireland, said: “Customers told us that they now expect the best possible coffee wherever they are and the success of our first drive-thru stores shows that this is a huge opportunity.

“It also means that we are able to create quality jobs at a time when they are most needed and because half of our baristas are under 24 years-old, this will particularly benefit young job-seekers at a time of record youth unemployment. “

The company currently operates nine of the store types, the first of which was opened in Cardiff in 2008.

Subsequent research by Allerga Strategies has shown that customers think coffee available on the road is “very poor” and that they demand the same quality as found on the high street.

Roughly half of the new stores will be operated under license by Blackburn-based petrol forecourt retailer, Euro Garages, with a concentration in the Midlands and the North West.

Zuber Issa, Managing director of Euro Garages, said: “Our partnership with Starbucks has been a huge success to date.

“We’re delighted to be making such a positive announcement about our expansion together that will create new and exciting employment opportunities for so many people across our sites.”

Drive-thrus are just the latest development in a wave of Starbucks brand innovations that has afforded the company consistent sales growth over the last two years.

Launching new store designs, introducing 100% fairtrade espresso and stronger “Flat White” coffee; offering new food, free Wi-Fi, and sharing success with partners (employees) through free shares known as Beanstock, have all contributed to this success.

The company has also been proactive in identifying new locations for sales, including supermarkets and workplaces.

In 2010, Starbucks opened 35 motorway stores with Welcome Break, serving seven million cups in the first year of operation.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .