Starbucks Launches First Drive-Thru in Bengaluru to Celebrate 50th Store Opening

Starbucks India has marked a significant achievement by launching its 50th store in Bengaluru. To commemorate this milestone, the coffee giant unveiled its very first Drive-Thru outlet in the city, strategically located in Electronic City — a rapidly expanding tech and residential hub in southern India. This initiative highlights the brand’s ongoing efforts to expand its footprint with customer-friendly formats.

A Blend of Innovation and Local Culture

The new Drive-Thru outlet reimagines the brand’s signature “Third Place” experience, blending it seamlessly with Bengaluru’s unique coffee culture. With a design that reflects both functionality and local flavor, the store features bilingual signage in English and Kannada, community-inspired decor, and a warm-toned material palette that pays tribute to the region’s coffee heritage.

Unique elements such as curated local art, a vibrant accent ceiling, and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating enhance the welcoming ambiance. The outlet offers Starbucks’ premium Arabica coffee sourced from Indian plantations, alongside local favorites such as filter coffee and masala chai, appealing to both global coffee enthusiasts and local customers.

Strong Legacy in Bengaluru’s Coffee Culture

Starbucks opened its first store in Bengaluru back in 2013 in Koramangala. Since then, the brand has steadily grown, establishing a presence in key locations such as Phoenix Marketcity, Prestige Trade Tower, Vittal Mallya Road, and at Bengaluru’s airports.

With a deep-rooted coffee culture and a fast-growing urban landscape, Bengaluru has become a core market for Starbucks in India. The new store launch reinforces the company’s goal of offering accessible and innovative formats to meet evolving consumer habits.

Upcoming Plans: Reserve Store Coming in 2025

Looking ahead, Starbucks is set to expand its premium offering with the opening of a Reserve store in Bengaluru later in 2025. This concept store will provide an elevated coffee experience, featuring small-lot coffees, signature brewing methods, and an exclusive menu designed for coffee aficionados.

CEO Statement on Starbucks’ Vision in India

Speaking about the milestone, Sushant Dash, CEO of TATA Starbucks, emphasized the importance of Bengaluru in Starbucks’ growth story.

“Bengaluru has played a pivotal role in our India journey and continues to be a key market. The opening of our 50th store and our first Drive-Thru in the region underscores our commitment to improving accessibility and offering relevant experiences to our customers. We aim to expand sustainably, introducing locally inspired concepts while evolving our beverage portfolio to meet Indian tastes.”

Building a People-First Coffee Brand

Starbucks India has also demonstrated its commitment to community and inclusivity through its employment strategies. In Bengaluru alone, Starbucks employs over 600 partners (baristas), including employees at three all-women stores and one signing store for specially-abled partners.

The new Drive-Thru store in Electronic City will be operated by a team of 12 partners. This focus on inclusivity and employee empowerment is central to Starbucks’ long-term vision in India.