Durban is the third location in the Starbucks store rollout, following Johannesburg and Pretoria. “Our new store opening comes during a time when coffee culture in Durban is thriving, and we are excited to be part of this growth,” says Carlo Gonzaga, CEO of Taste Holdings.
Both stores will offer the full Starbucks range, including its 100% Arabica coffee, as well as Teavana iced teas and a fresh food menu.
The Florida Road branch is due to open on 25 November. The historic site is currently undergoing renovations, managed by the Florida Road Urban Improvement Precinct and supported by the eThekwini Municipality. This store will feature a full Starbucks Reserve bar, which serves rare, small-lot coffees sourced from around the world and brewed through a variety of brewing methods, including Siphon, Pour-Over, Black Eagle, and the Clover machine.
The Gateway store will open soon after and this 400-sqm store seats 160 people. According to Gonzaga, the store will be an oasis for shoppers to relax and enjoy Starbucks beverages.
The design of both Durban stores has been influenced by their locations. The Florida Road store fuses local crafts with Victorian influences, featuring repurposed wooden floors and a marble bar, while the Gateway outlet draws inspiration from the sugarcane hills of KwaZulu-Natal, with its lush green landscapes that show similarities to coffee-growing regions.
