HONG KONG, 2016-1-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — The perfect blend of coffee and creativity can now be found at Starbucks.
Recently, Starbucks commemorated its 15th year in Hong Kong with the opening of a new Starbucks Reserve™ store. The 4,500-square-foot Gala Place store is located in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok and features the work of local artists as the backdrop for brewing coffee from the finest coffee beans.
“Our success relies on the efforts of our partners and the support from our customers,” said Norbert Tan, executive director, Starbucks Hong Kong and Macau. “We are very excited about the opening of the Gala Place Starbucks store, which marks a new chapter for Starbucks Hong Kong.”
Providing Exceptional Options
Inside Gala Place, customers will find a Starbucks Reserve™ Coffee Experience Bar with an open layout, designed for a more personal and inclusive customer experience. Twenty coffee masters from Starbucks stores across Hong Kong were selected to work behind the bar, including Suki Lo, Starbucks Hong Kong Barista Champion 2015.
“I am honored to work alongside such talented and experienced partners,” said Lo. “I have the privilege of doing what I love every day – creating coffee and interacting with enthusiastic customers.”
“Gala Place showcases ultra-premium coffees brewed with the rarest and finest Starbucks Reserve™ coffee beans,” said Tan. “The open design of the bar lets customers enjoy first-hand the experience of coffee brewed by our coffee masters.”
The store’s elite group of baristas introduce customers to new brewing methods, including the Siphon, which produces a light, almost tea-like coffee, and the Black Eagle espresso machine, which helps deliver Starbucks signature handcrafted beverages. To pair with the coffee and espresso drinks, the Gala Place store features the new Custard Cream Croissant in three signature flavors: Mango Yogurt, Very Berry and Crispy Chocolate.
A Creative Touch
Interior design at the Gala Place store incorporates the work of local urban street artists Bao Ho and Stern Rockwell. A street artist who specializes in murals and illustration, Ho is also the champion of the Hong Kong Secret Walls Contest, a competition of live art “battles.” Stern’s designs are famous for showcasing emotions, facial expressions and lifestyles in artistic forms.
Other design elements include Mong Kok-inspired stencils and posters that reflect the style of the neighborhood. A beaming neon light crafted in the image of the signature Reserve™ logo is mounted on the store’s wall and is now a hallmark of the Kowloon district.
Local artists and art lovers will have an opportunity to showcase their talents in what’s known as the store’s Community Corner. In this creative space, complete with audio and visual equipment, customers will enjoy live art performances.
“We hope the new, unique store can elevate the local art scene, showcase our pride for the city and become a place that connects our customers to local culture,” said Tan.
For more information on this news release, contact Starbucks Newsroom.
SOURCE: Starbucks Corporation
###
