Starbucks announced that it’s expanding the number of locations that sell alcohol. Currently, 26 of its locations have the “Evenings” program, and the company plans to increase that to 40 locations by the end of the year, Chief Operating Officer Troy Alstead said in a phone interview.The rollout will take several years, Alstead said.
The average Starbucks transactions is $5 — adding booze to the bill could significantly increase that.
The stores won’t provide restaurant-style service. Customers still have to order from a barista and wait for their names to be called.
Included on the list of new menu items planned for the rollout are beer, wine, truffle mac n’ cheese, chocolate fondue, and bacon-wrapped dates.
The company will offer beer and wine, but no cocktails. The evening menu items will be served after 4 p.m.
The idea was reportedly first tested at Starbuck’s store in Seattle in 2010 and then tried at other locations beginning in 2012.
Alstead is quoted as stating of the menu expansion response, “As we bring the evening program to stores, there’s a meaningful increase in sales during that time of the day.” “We’ve tested it long enough in enough markets – this is a program that works,” he added
On Wednesday, an announcement was also made that Starbucks would be selling a tea endorsed by Oprah Winfrey called “Oprah Chai Tea.”
The tea will make a debut on April 29 with proceeds from sales going to help fund education charities.
