Starbucks opens its first store in Bucharest, Romania

So, if you ever happen to be vacationing there... “Bucharest is an ideal location for Starbucks entry into Central and Eastern Europe," says Martin Coles, president of Starbucks Coffee International. (Starbucks PR)

Comments

[extreme.right.wing.barista]

My number one concern - what are the prices going to be? And I am a bit surprised that the first post-communist country to be chosen by SBUX is Romania.

I would have chosen Slovenia or the Czech Republic - countries with more disposable income, but I am sure SBUX did their research. I am sure people in Romania will not be wanting to shell out the equivalent of what an average SBUX customer in the States/UK/Germany/France would, but then remember how successful McD's became in Russia when it first opened there in the late 80s- the line was out-the-door for years.

[QuadConPana]

You have to realize that when Starbucks opens in a foreign country, it does not simply rent a space and move in machinery. They create a partnership with an existing corporation in that country who understands the business and political climate there.

Undoubtedly, they were able to come to terms with someone in Romania before a suitable partner in the Czech Republic or Slovenia was found.

When that happens, I'm sure they'll be there.

[Leslie]

Starbucks Rocks My Socks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Magoo]

I love Martin Coles. Every time he leaves a company wide voicemail I play it for every partner who loves to hear his accent and then we talk like Marin Coles for an hour or so.

say it with me now,

"Hello, This is Martin Coles"

[Katy]

How does Martin Cole sound, exactly? My manager doesn't play it for us, but now I'm curious.

I'm curious about the prices, too, and the menu as well. I am assuming many of the same drinks, but to what extent? A few topics back, the subject of European (France, the UK, Ireland, ect.) was brought up as having slightly different menus and people never ordering the many customizations which Starbucks prides itself so much on.

[Magoo]

He's just very british sounding and has a very low voice it sounds like he's sitting in a high backed leather chair in front of a giant fire place and holding a brandy.

[CuteBarista!]

HOT. *swoon*

[Daniel]

To all previous posters:

I live from Czech Republic and we do already have news about Starbucks heading to join our market. They are about to start with two or three stores in Prague (the capital city) and it will be done so in no more than a year.

I am very confident that Starbucks will be prosperous in the Central and Eastern Europe region.

Daniel, Prague

[Epsilon.Sigma]

Starbucks in Romania were opened by Marinopoulos S.A., the greek company that holds the rights for the stores in Greece, as well. The project-leader for Romania is George Galanopoulos, my former district manager (district of central Athens).

[Terri]

I'm surprised about SBUX coming to Bucharest. I lived there and wished for one and now that I've moved away they got one! How sad!!!
I do think it'll do okay there. Many Americans and English people live in Bucharest. I gather that much business will come from foreigners then nationals. Good luck SBUX in Bucharest. I wish you well!!!

[April Smith]

When will the Czech Starbucks open?

[ana maria]

i was born in bucharest, romania and lived there for 14 years ... i think that starbucks shouldve reconsidered its location. i particularly dont find bucharest that welcoming, the people there are very carreer oriented and a little bit unfriendly (my experience only). are there any starbucks stores in bosnia ? that would be my option.

[Odett]

I read most of the previous posters in here and I must say that we all have different point of views.
For example I am romanian and I live in Bucharest.
This summer SBUX came here , and since then it's always packed ! Ppl are not just sitting but also enjoying the coffe. It became very successful.
The prices in my opinion, are not high. I put in balance the taste, quality and why not the fame. Other coffe shops in Bucharest have higher prices and less quality.
True, the menue is limited, I realise due to the fact that I've been at SBUX in UK and USA. But most probably they will enlarge the beverage line in time.

[shaeraine]

plz open starbucks in iasi , romania..
plz...
i miss starbuckz

[iovaj]

Dont underestimate romanians :) believe it or not McD was overcrowded in a SMALL romanian city! I'm a NY guy and prices were exactly the same

[Anja&Mojca]

We want Starbucks in Slovenia-Ljubljana:) pleaseeeeeee