As Halloween approaches at the end of October each year, major coffee brands rush to launch their limited-edition festive specials. This year, Starbucks, Peet's Coffee, Costa, and other brands have all rolled out new offerings. The visual designs are certainly eye-catching, but the flavors have left many consumers crying "dark." From dragon fruit cloud-topped lids to bamboo charcoal black sauce Frappuccinos, from sesame almond tofu to Pirate's Treasure Lattes—how do these Halloween special drinks actually perform? Netizens' reviews are mixed: some are sold on the aesthetics, while others are put off by the taste. This article will review the highlights and sore points of these festive new releases to see which one is truly worth a try. [more…]

Starbucks recently announced that, following a competitive pitch, its US creative business has officially been handed to WPP Group. A Starbucks spokesperson said the partnership aims to return to the brand's roots, conveying to customers Starbucks' unique coffee expertise and special experience, and hinted that the collaboration with WPP could expand globally in the future. WPP has set up a dedicated "Starbucks team" for this purpose, drawing talent from agencies such as VML, Ogilvy, and Landor. This change comes shortly after Brian Niccol became Starbucks' new chairman and CEO, and it also means that SPCSHP, which had partnered with Starbucks for seven years, has lost the business. As coffee lovers, we might as well look at how Starbucks is retelling its coffee story from the perspective of brand communication. [more…]

Among the roasted beans displayed in Starbucks stores, Colombian coffee beans are a favorite for many people. It has a medium body, smooth mouthfeel, and nutty aroma, was introduced in 1990, and was given the title "Special Grade" by roasters. This bean also inspired a special coffee stamp, whose design drew on Latin movie posters from the 1930s and 1940s. Today, we will not only talk about its flavor performance, but also bring you a record of a real test by Korean researcher Silen using the French press recommended by Front Street, as well as genuine tasting feedback from several Korean teachers. Let's see together whether it is worth enjoying at breakfast. [more…]

After two consecutive quarters of disappointing sales performance, Starbucks' new CEO Niccol has begun adjusting the company's business strategy, significantly scaling back the frequent discount promotions previously offered and instead turning to new approaches such as loyalty points and limited-time specials to attract customers. This move aims to reverse the sales decline while reshaping Starbucks' brand positioning as a "community coffeehouse." However, reducing discounts may also push some consumers toward more cost-effective alternatives. This article will examine the background of Starbucks' strategic adjustment, the specific measures involved, and the potential impact they may bring. [more…]

Drinking a cup of coffee with the ceremonial feel of a military inspection? Starbucks has opened a new store in Aegibong Peace Ecological Park in Gimpo, South Korea. It sits just across a river from a North Korean village, and customers entering the park must fill out forms and undergo military identity checks, while foreign visitors also need to present their passports. On opening day, more than forty people came to check it out; some gazed at North Korea's Songaksan from the windows, while others climbed the observation deck to watch people on the far bank through binoculars. Is this store a new highlight for border tourism, or a risky move in a politically sensitive area? Opinions vary. Front Street Coffee takes you through the story behind this special store. [more…]

Collaboration campaigns by coffee chains usually come with limited-edition cup sleeves, stickers, and paper bags, while Starbucks has long stuck to its classic brown paper bags and green logo, a habit consumers jokingly call "unchanged for a decade." Yet during the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, Starbucks unexpectedly rolled out three limited-edition dragon-year cup sleeves, sparking widespread discussion. Netizens jokingly dubbed this move "a decision that betrays the ancestors," and it was also seen as a new attempt by Starbucks at localizing in the Chinese market. Against the backdrop of accelerating store expansion into lower-tier cities and insisting on not engaging in price wars, can Starbucks win over more consumers through limited-edition packaging? This article takes you through the details. [more…]

As October and Halloween approach, Starbucks Hong Kong and Macau has launched a timely black sesame drink series, including Black Sesame Fresh Milk Coffee and Black Sesame Cream Frappuccino, and allows customers to add tofu pudding themselves to create a unique texture. However, after the new products hit the market, the gap between their appearance and the promotional posters sparked heated discussion, with some jokingly describing the real thing as looking like "ash water." Despite the unimpressive look, the combination of smooth tofu pudding and rich black sesame has led some consumers to drink it for three days in a row. This pairing is not appearing for the first time; previously, the Sesame Almond Tofu Frappuccino at Taiwan stores received a good reputation. So, is this cross-category mashup actually worth trying? Let's find out from consumer feedback. [more…]

Starbucks is a coffee brand beloved by many urban white-collar workers. Some people are passionate about collecting its merchandise cups, while others only drink its offerings. This article systematically sorts out the recipes, taste characteristics, and price ranges of Starbucks' classic espresso drinks, covering eight hot beverages including Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato, Mocha, Espresso, Espresso Con Panna, and Espresso Macchiato, along with cold drink reminders and recommended secret menu hacks. Whether you are a beginner who has just encountered Starbucks or a seasoned connoisseur looking to find the flavor that suits you best, this guide can help you quickly pinpoint your ideal choice. [more…]

Starbucks and the classic Peanuts character Snoopy launched their first co-branded campaign in mainland China, originally scheduled to go live on March 25, but it was suddenly moved up to March 21, leaving many stores unable to receive the limited-edition cup sleeves and takeout bags in time. Consumers who bought the co-branded drinks could not get the Snoopy packaging they had expected and voiced their disappointment and dissatisfaction. Starbucks employees explained that the materials were unevenly distributed, and some staff even hand-drew Snoopy designs as a makeshift fix. This co-branding campaign exposed the brand's chaos in event coordination and material allocation, and also sparked discussions about ensuring a proper co-branded experience. [more…]

Is Caffè Americano actually bitter? This is a question many coffee newcomers often ask. In fact, the Americano method originated in Europe and is made by combining hot water with espresso, giving it a subtly different taste from American-style brewed coffee. This article will start with the principles behind making an Americano to help you understand where its bitterness comes from, and at the same time recommend a few relatively light coffee choices at Starbucks for women who follow a low-fat diet, along with relevant recommendations from Front Street Coffee, so you no longer agonize over what to order. [more…]

In today's world, where specialty coffee is increasingly popular, capsule coffee still occupies an important market with its convenience and consistent quality. Affected by the pandemic, sales of capsule coffee machines and capsule products have grown significantly, and the global market size is expected to exceed 9.8 billion USD by 2032. From Nestlé Nespresso to Starbucks, illy, Sumida River, and JDE Peet's, major brands have all stepped up their efforts in this field. Capsule coffee is not only cost-effective, averaging only 4 to 6 yuan per cup, but its technology also keeps improving, allowing you to enjoy it in just 30 seconds. However, environmental issues have also followed, and Nestlé has already launched paper-shell capsules in response. This article will guide you through the development history, current market situation, and future challenges of capsule coffee. [more…]

Since its launch in March this year, the "curbside pickup" service jointly introduced by Starbucks and Amap has aimed to provide a convenient coffee-buying experience for drivers and passengers during rush hour and on busy roads. However, a special promotion during the National Day holiday sparked considerable controversy. Due to limited stock, many customers were unable to get the cute pet tote bag offered as a gift in the campaign; at the same time, the ordering system had problems such as inaccurate route matching and closed stores still being able to accept orders, greatly reducing the user experience. In addition, the extra 3 yuan service fee also made some users feel it was unreasonable. Although Starbucks hoped to use this service to expand into new scenarios, the various inconveniences in actual operation led many netizens to question whether it was adequately prepared. This article will sort out the highlights of the campaign and user feedback in detail, and explore room for improvement in the curbside pickup service. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks launched two special kombucha drinks in some stores, drawing consumer attention. Behind this move lies a certain bottleneck in product innovation among coffee chain brands today—from flavored syrups to fruit coffee and fruit tea, new products keep emerging yet are often teased as "old wine in new bottles." Meanwhile, as healthy eating concepts spread, consumers' enthusiasm for high-sugar drinks is gradually fading, and brands are turning to new ingredients such as fruit juices and jams. Can Starbucks' attempt to venture beyond the coffee track and test kombucha bring truly fresh ideas to the industry? This article will analyze this topic and share related observations from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Recently, the Market Supervision and Administration Office of Shanghai Jiading Industrial Zone received a report from a citizen and shut down a store that used a coffee shop as a cover to impersonate a Starbucks purchasing agent on delivery platforms and produce and sell counterfeit coffee. A large number of packaging materials bearing the Starbucks logo were seized at the scene, including cups, syrups, and bags. Such incidents have been common in recent years, exposing issues behind the scenes such as loopholes in delivery platform review and the unrestricted circulation of branded materials. When buying coffee, consumers should choose legitimate stores to avoid falling into counterfeit traps. Front Street Coffee reminds you to pay attention to developments in the coffee industry, and even more to the source and quality of every cup of coffee. [more…]

The Starbucks store at Wangfujing Department Store in Changsha's Wuyi Square, the brand's first location in Hunan Province, has recently been reported to be permanently closing. Having operated for fourteen years, this store not only witnessed Starbucks' expansion in Changsha but also carried the coffee memories of countless residents. However, with intensifying competition among tea and coffee brands in the Wuyi commercial district, adjustments to commercial leasing policies, and changes in Starbucks' market strategy, this iconic store has ultimately reached its end. This article will review the store's glorious past, analyze the possible reasons for its closure, and present the regret expressed by local residents. [more…]

Just after the Qingming holiday, as temperatures rise, Starbucks' summer menu update is quietly approaching. Recently, an Instagram user leaked Starbucks' upcoming "Spicy Lemonade Refresher Series," which features chili powder and comes in three flavors—dragon fruit, strawberry, and pineapple—with an optional spicy cold foam, and is planned to be available for a limited time at stores across the United States starting April 16. This is not Starbucks' first attempt at spicy drinks; as early as 2015, its stores in China launched a Spicy Chili Mocha. From Dongpo Braised Pork Latte to Wasabi Pistachio Latte, Starbucks has been continuously testing the waters on the path of "dark cuisine." This article will take you through the specific details of this new spicy product, its preparation process, and the history of past spicy coffees. [more…]

On the eve of National Day, Starbucks China posted a vividly colored beverage poster on Xiaohongshu with the caption "Waiting for good news," which happened to closely resemble the color scheme of Taylor Swift's new album teaser poster. This coincidence quickly ignited the expectations of Swifties, with many speculating that the two sides would collaborate again. However, after the stores launched two customized drinks as scheduled on October 3, staff said there was no collaboration, leaving fans greatly disappointed. What exactly caused this misunderstanding? And what history of cooperation has there been between Starbucks and Taylor Swift? This article will recount the whole incident and discuss the polarized views fans have on the matter. [more…]

Starbucks' first Reserve flagship store in South China—the two-story standalone store at Shenzhen MixC World—will officially close permanently after business hours on October 12. This iconic store, which had been open for nearly eight years, was once the largest standalone Starbucks in Shenzhen, and it now comes to an end due to the expiration of its contract and adjustments in the business district's tenant mix. After the news spread, many regular customers felt deep regret. At the same time, Starbucks has also been closing stores at multiple locations in Shenzhen, sparking speculation about adjustments to its market layout. This article will review the store's history, customer reactions, the reasons for its closure, and Starbucks' response, along with related recommendations from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Starbucks has been exploring ways to reduce single-use cup usage in recent years, from deposit cups in the South Korean market to cup borrowing programs in Europe and the US, but none have achieved the expected results. Now Starbucks has launched Plan C—introducing dedicated cup-washing machines in stores, where customers can wash their cups themselves after finishing their coffee and take them away, though a deposit is still required. The program will first be tested at Arizona State University and select stores in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Starbucks mainland China has fully switched to paper straws and sippy lids, reducing approximately 200 tons of plastic annually. Whether the environmental path can meet its 2025 targets remains to be seen. [more…]

As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, Starbucks' 2023 Frappuccino Zongzi arrives as scheduled. This year, four flavors have been launched, one fewer than last year, with the price remaining at 198 yuan per bag. In addition to classic flavors like lychee coconut and peach oolong, the lime cheese espresso flavor continues to incorporate coffee elements into the zongzi. To enhance the tasting fun, Starbucks has also specially provided two types of popping candy dipping powders: pepper spicy and Xinhui tangerine peel. Purchasers can receive a black-and-white tote bag as a gift, but the early bird bag giveaway has been canceled. This article gives you an overview of all the highlights of this year's Frappuccino Zongzi. Coffee lovers might want to pair them with Front Street Coffee's selected beans for a unique Dragon Boat Festival experience. [more…]