BALLITO, South Africa – Starbucks celebrated the opening of its latest store in the heart of the picturesque coastal neighbourhood of Ballito. Under the strategic leadership of Starbucks South Africa MD Leah McCrae, the new store elevated the coffee culture in Ballito, showcasing Starbucks’ unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Positioned near the stunning Willard Beach, the Starbucks Ballito store is a testament to the brand’s dedication to handcrafted quality. “Our new store in Ballito is a vibrant reflection of the artisanal spirit that Starbucks embodies,” stated Leah. “We brought our unique blend of high-quality coffee, a range of cold beverages that are unique to Starbucks globally and freshly made food to this beautiful small town.”
The store design incorporated elements of Ballito’s coastal lifestyle, offering a serene and inviting space. The Ballito store is a hub for both overseas guests and the broader mix of young families, professionals and retirees that make up the town’s demographics.
“Ballito’s blend of upscale living and relaxed atmosphere aligned perfectly with the Starbucks experience,” Leah explained. “Whether you’re a holidaymaker or a local, our store offers something for everyone with our signature handcrafted touch.”
The opening of Starbucks Ballito coincided with the vibrant Matric Rage, offering matric students a fresh and safe spot to meet up for their “moments in between” the partying. It was a place to recharge and re-energise during the day.
The opening event was also marked by an exciting collaboration with Havaianas. The first five guests in line on that Saturday received hampers valued at R1200, kickstarting the summer and the holidays. These hampers included branded Starbucks gift bags and festive ornaments, a R300 Havaianas gift card, and a set of the iconic Starbucks reusable cups.
Guests queued outside of the centre from 4 a.m. to be the first in line, with the first guest also receiving a month’s worth of free coffee on the Starbucks Rewards app!
As guests stepped into Starbucks Ballito, they were greeted by the warm and welcoming presence of our store manager, Moki Ndzimande, a seasoned coffee enthusiast with a deep connection to the local community. Growing up in Matatiele and now living in Groutville, Moki’s journey to Starbucks began with a passion for coffee and a serendipitous meeting in 2017. “To me, being a Partner, what employees are called at Starbucks, means bringing ownership, equality and accountability into every cup we serve,” Moki said.
“I was thrilled to invite everyone to our opening on the 18th of November,” said Moki. “Join us at Starbucks Ballito to enjoy our exquisite range of handcrafted coffees and delicacies, we always love hosting coffee tasting experiences with our guests! It’s not just about the beverages; it’s about the entire Starbucks experience, and we couldn’t wait to share it with you.”
