Starbucks, the high-street coffee chain, has opened its first franchised store at Liphook, Hampshire. This is the first of an eight-store deal with 23.5 Degrees, a partnership of three local entrepreneurs, Anil Patil, Satwinder Sandhu, and Mark Hepburn.
The new store at the Liphook Services, on the A3 northbound towards London, will be the blueprint for further stores which are planned to open across the country as Starbucks grows its franchising business.
With British coffee drinkers becoming more discerning, customers now want great coffee wherever they are, whether they’re travelling, at home, or in store. The partnership with 23.5 Degrees will see Starbucks taken to new places where local Hampshire and Dorset customers need and want high quality, convenient coffee.
Mark Hepburn, company director of 23.5 Degrees, said: “This partnership with Starbucks represents our company’s progression with a brand we feel mirrors our own values, sincerely caring about the people in our business, and committed to consistently delivering for the customer and the local community. We are proud to be opening the first Starbucks franchise store in the UK, combining our knowledge of local businesses, real estate opportunities, and franchise experience, with the support and expertise of the Starbucks business team to drive growth, create jobs, and provide quality products where customers need and want great coffee.”
Kris Engskov, managing director, Starbucks UK & Ireland, said: “The UK is one of the most important markets for Starbucks. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the UK for great coffee, and franchising will help us to build the Starbucks brand in those towns and locations we have not yet had the opportunity to serve. We’re proud to partner with local entrepreneurs, who share our values and commitment to doing what is right for our customers, to build our business and bring jobs to local communities.”
Over the coming months, 23.5 Degrees will open stores in Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Farnborough, Trowbridge and Southampton, amongst other locations and is expected to create over 100 new jobs in the Dorset and Hampshire area.