Starbucks unveils first community store in HK to empower youngsters

Starbucks has unveiled its first-ever community store in Hong Kong, marking the brand’s 50th community store across the Asia Pacific region, following the launch in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Korea. 

The debut of the Hong Kong community store is part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to strengthening local community connections and creating meaningful opportunities for youth development.

Situated at the East Asia Mansion in Wan Chai, the new community store provides programming in partnership with nonprofit organisation JA Hong Kong, and VTC, Hong Kong’s vocational and professional education and training provider, to enrich the development of youth.

The new community store is poised to create a nurturing hub for students to gain more information about possible future careers, especially learning about the food and beverage industry through interactive workshops and career exploration programmes supported by a grant from The Starbucks Foundation and a portion of the community stores’ sales. 

Students can gain hands-on learning experiences, job shadowing opportunities, and mentorship from various Starbucks partners. These sessions will also be led by experienced professionals from diverse business sectors, with the aim of inspiring and developing the next generation of talents for careers in the food and beverage (F&B) industry.

The initiative also aims to create a positive impact in Hong Kong’s F&B industry where over 95% restaurants face challenges in recruitment, according to Deliveroo's latest survey.

The store is designed as a warm and inviting environment, featuring thoughtfully designed spaces that can accommodate up to 50 people in vibrant workshops and mentorship programmes.

It also features a mural by local artist Zoie Lam, created in collaboration with two Hong Kong secondary school students who excel in the arts, recommended by JA Hong Kong. Inspired by conversations on Starbucks bean-to-cup journey, the mural is a youthful interpretation that celebrates Starbucks coffee leadership, local culture and community stories. 

“We are thrilled to unveil Starbucks Asia Pacific’s 50th community store in Hong Kong, providing a third place for youth communities in Hong Kong," said Emmy Kan, senior vice president and president of Starbucks Asia Pacific.

“Starbucks has always stood for more than just coffee, the Starbucks Community Store Programme has helped strengthen and create pathways to opportunities in the communities where we live, work, and grow. These community stores amplify the power of the third place, enabling our partners to connect with local communities in deeper, more meaningful ways, and drive more positive impact in the neighbourhoods they know best," Kan added.

Alan Chan, general manager, Starbucks Hong Kong and Macau said, "Apart from offering the unique Starbucks Experience, it is also our aim to dedicate our efforts to making our beloved city a better place for the future generation. The collaboration with JA Hong Kong is a testament to our dedication, we hope to empower more youth through this new community store, helping them build a fulfilling career in the food and beverage industry as well as developing the skills and mindsets needed for long-term success.”

Ivan Wong, head of operations, Starbucks Hong Kong and Macau said: “We are very honoured to open the first community store in Hong Kong. With a shared vision, we collaborate with JA Hong Kong and VTC to launch a series of programmes with a hope to provide more career-oriented and practical skills training, in support of youth development in Hong Kong.”

The community store programme builds on an existing partnership between Starbucks Hong Kong and JA Hong Kong since 2014. With support from The Starbucks Foundation, the partnership has already equipped over 350 students from 21 local schools with the entrepreneurial mindset, design thinking and coding skills needed for their future since 2023, according to the release.

Vivian Choi, CEO of Junior Achievement Hong Kong said “We are excited to collaborate with Starbucks Hong Kong to inspire the next generation of food and beverage leaders. This unique partnership will provide young people in Hong Kong with invaluable real-world insights and equip them with the necessary skillsets to thrive in this ever-changing industry.”

Tommy Lau, vice-principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI), Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) and International Culinary Institute (ICI), and deputy academic director of the Hospitality Discipline of VTC said: “ This new space not only connects people with coffee, but also promotes meaningful interactions and exchanges through various youth-related activities. We hope that through the collaboration between businesses, schools, and NGOs, we can create a synergistic effect.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Starbucks for more information. 

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