Watch out, Starbucks: China’s biggest coffee chain opens its first US locations

[Guno צְבִי]

Luckin Coffee, the fast-growing chain that beat Starbucks at its own game in China, is entering the United States.

Its first two US locations are opening Monday — both in New York City — marking an escalation in competition against Starbucks and other coffee chains, such as Dutch Bros., that have successfully built a loyal following in targeting Gen Z drinkers with TikTok-worthy drinks at affordable prices.

Luckin’s website and social media accounts are promoting the openings with discounts and giveaways. The stores are located in Greenwich Village, near the bustling New York University campus, and in NoMad.

Luckin was founded in 2017 and focuses on catering to young people, with mostly takeout booths and cashless payments. Its beverages in China are about 30% cheaper than those offered by Starbucks.

The bare-bones stores usually offer only the most basic services, which has allowed the company to expand rapidly at a lower cost. It also requires consumers to use mobile phones to place orders. The US restaurant business is also increasingly pushing mobile orders and loyalty programs, which allow companies to collect extensive customer data and generate more repeat visits.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/30/food/luckin-coffee-first-usa-location

 

[Hawkeye10]

Back in reality space Starbucks 2024 China rev was about $3 billion, 1/5 of their global rev....even as many Chinese are actively avoiding American brands.

 

[Guno צְבִי]

Starbucks is nasty, burnt and overpriced swill

 

[Hawkeye10]

Starbucks is nasty, burnt and overpriced swill

Many people do not agree with you. ....in America their problem has not been the product.....it has been that service and the store atmosphere declined as they pushed WOKE and the lack of employee standards under Howard. Howard has been pushed all the way out....the current CEO will pick up the phone but Howard is not allowed in the building, and he explicitly has no say in operations....this is a clean break.

 

[Dutch Uncle]

Starbucks is nasty, burnt and overpriced swill

People are better off buying good coffee and a good coffee maker than paying $5 at any of them.

 

[Hawkeye10]

One of the first moves of the current CEO was that Howards invitation to the druggies to shoot up in their bathrooms without buying anything is over.

 

[Into the Night]

Luckin Coffee, the fast-growing chain that beat Starbucks at its own game in China, is entering the United States.

Its first two US locations are opening Monday — both in New York City — marking an escalation in competition against Starbucks and other coffee chains, such as Dutch Bros., that have successfully built a loyal following in targeting Gen Z drinkers with TikTok-worthy drinks at affordable prices.

Luckin’s website and social media accounts are promoting the openings with discounts and giveaways. The stores are located in Greenwich Village, near the bustling New York University campus, and in NoMad.

Luckin was founded in 2017 and focuses on catering to young people, with mostly takeout booths and cashless payments. Its beverages in China are about 30% cheaper than those offered by Starbucks.

Wonderful. Cheaper drugs.

 

[Guno צְבִי]

People are better off buying good coffee and a good coffee maker than paying $5 at any of them.

If I am out and want a cup, I do dunkin's otherwise dark Columbian at home

 

[Dutch Uncle]

If I am out and want a cup, I do dunkin's otherwise dark Columbian at home

I like dark coffee. Usually, home-brewed Maxwell House Dark Silk or Folger's Black Silk.

 

[Guno צְבִי]

I like dark coffee. Usually, home-brewed Maxwell House Dark Silk or Folger's Black Silk.

Also like hazelnut creamer ,, I also like nescafe clasico instant when I run out of my coffee pods

 

[Dutch Uncle]

Also like hazelnut creamer ,, I also like nescafe clasico instant when I run out of my coffee pods

My favorite creamer is French Vanilla, but occasionally spring for other flavors like chocolate caramel or vanilla caramel.

 

[Sammy Jankis]

People are better off buying good coffee and a good coffee maker than paying $5 at any of them.

we know, wilford brimley.

 

[NiftyNiblick]

Starbucks is nasty, burnt and overpriced swill

Yup. I'm a Dunkin Donuts guy.
We use their K Cups at home, too.

As for the Chinese outfit,
I though that tea was their thing.

The only places that I've ever had tea are London, Bermuda, and Chinese restaurants.

 

[TOP]

"Brewing" K cups does not produce a cup of good coffee...

 

[Phantasmal]

Many people do not agree with you. ....in America their problem has not been the product.....it has been that service and the store atmosphere declined as they pushed WOKE and the lack of employee standards under Howard. Howard has been pushed all the way out....the current CEO will pick up the phone but Howard is not allowed in the building, and he explicitly has no say in operations....this is a clean break.

No, Guno is right. It tastes bitter and burnt. If I get coffee, it’s Dunkin. Less expensive and tastes better.

 

[Nordberg]

Starbucks is nasty, burnt and overpriced swill

I agree. It tastes burnt to me. I have been stuck with it a couple times and could not finish it. I drink black coffee, though. Starbucks pumps flavors into their swill.