Starbucks plans to open a number of smaller, express-style stores. Associated Press
Starbucks Corp. said Friday that it plans to cater to busy commuters by launching smaller, express-style stores.
The new stores will have reduced beverage and food menus and will integrate the company's digital payment and mobile ordering systems to speed up service, the company said.
The Seattle-based coffeehouse chain is looking to capitalize on the strength of its drive-through stores, which make up about 40% of its U.S. company-operated stores and have higher sales growth than stores without drive-through service, the company said.
Starbucks also said it plans to open at least 100 new stores in the next five years dedicated to its Starbucks Reserve small-batch arabica coffee line.
In July, Starbucks reported its 18th consecutive quarter of same-store sales gains of 5% or more, on top of a 23% increase in earnings. Starbucks has been diversifying in recent years from its traditional coffee business by adding more packaged products and food.
As of the end of June, Starbucks had 20,863 stores across 64 countries.