It’s the 6th store in Davao since its first store was opened in the city in 2011 at Abreeza Mall.
Noey T. Lopez, the president of Rustan Coffee of Rustan Group of Companies an authorized licensee of Starbucks Coffee Int’l Inc. in the Philippines in an interview said the drive-thru format has grown remarkably especially at the height of the pandemic encouraging them to open here in Davao.
Starbucks data showed it is operating over 400 stores in the Philippines. More than 30 of these are drive-thru stores.
Lopez said they are very bullish of Starbucks growth in Davao given the vibrant economic atmosphere in the city.
“We’re pleasantly surprised at how strong the businesses here in Davao are. People in Davao are very particular in customer service; expectations are high, so that’s a good sign,” he said.
Without elaborating further for future plans in Mindanao, Lopez however said, they have already identified possible trade areas to open additional Starbucks stores.
We are six now (in Davao City) but we are looking forward; business is not stagnant; it is growing, he said.
When asked if they have plans to open another Drive-Thru Starbucks store in Davao or Mindanao, he said “ I don’t have the specifics , but we have the equation, but I am sure because the format works.”
The big space, growing development ,and friendly relations with the Floirendos have encouraged the company to choose Damosa Complex to house the 6th and first drive-thru Starbucks in Davao City.
He said the company continues to engage in innovating Starbucks’ products, store design and digital
engagements to maintain its buoyancy throughout the country.
Filipinos had their first taste of the Starbucks experience on December 4, 1997 with the opening of its very first branch at the heart of the country’s first business district in 6750 Ayala Building in Makati City, Metro Manila.
Starbucks Philippines is the third market to open outside North America, celebrating its 25th year in the country in 2022.
In a statement, Starbucks said, “it continues to take action on an inspired roadmap to build the future of the company. The company entered a new era driven by comparable store sales growth, increased store count, investment in partners and investment in innovation.”
The newly opened Starbucks Drive-Thru store in Mindanao located at Damosa Complex
Gracing the mass and blessing of the Starbucks Damosa store are the owners and management of Rustan Coffee Corporation, which owns the franchise of Starbucks in the Philippines, headed by its President Noey Lopez (third from left), together with Davao City Vice Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain (third from left) and Damosa Land President Cary Lagdameo (leftmost).
Starbucks Damosa workers with happy faces during the opening