Starbucks opens new outlet in Calama, Chile

CHILE– Multinational coffeehouse chain and roaster reserves Starbucks has launched its firdt outlet in Calama, Chile through Alsea, its Chilean partner. 

Located at Av Balmaceda 3242, the new outlet is Starbucks’ 168th location in the South American country but the first in Calama.  

The new outlet’s design includes an art mural by cony Lars, a local artist that draws inspiration from North Chile’s mountainous terrain. The outlet’s design highlights Calama’s rich history which is meant to resonate with the people’s heritage. 

It will offer hot and cold coffee beverages, desserts and sandwiches. 

Claudia Aburto, Starbucks South Cone and Columbia Director welcomed the outlet’s opening by saying, “We are delighted to bring the Starbucks experience to consumers in Calama, expanding our presence in northern Chile.” 

“Our store designers have created a space that highlights the warm colours of the region, fostering moments of connection around coffee that so many of our customers enjoy.” 

The new outlet is part of Starbucks’ aggressive expansion strategy in the South American region in the past year. 

In April, the coffeehouse chain opened its first outlet in Osorno, Chile. This location is also operated by Alsea and follows the same locally-inspired interior design.   

The Osorno outlet’s interior design reflects the city’s rich history, with artistic motifs like Maitén leaves and kingfisher typical of Southern Chile. 

During the outlet’s launch, Claudia expressed the coffeehouse chain’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Chile and South America.  

Claudia Arburto said, “Growing within the Chilean and South American markets is a priority for Starbucks, and we plan to open more stores in the coming months, with a shared commitment to creating local employment opportunities and offering unique experiences to consumers.” 

In March, Starbucks opened a new drive thru location in Peru, also part of this expansion strategy. The drive thru is situated at the El Ejercito store on Pérez Araníbar Avenue in the San Isidro district. 

The El Ejercito drive thru is the second in Peru, following the Starbucks Panamericana Sur store launched in 2018. The outlet has earned the Starbucks Greener Store certification by focusing on reducing carbon emissions and adopting eco-friendly practices, awarded in August 2023. 

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