• 5 min read
• June 18, 2025

Starbucks has been operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in partnership with Alshaya Group, for 26 years. In that time, we’ve opened 1,300 coffeeshops across the region. Now, as our beautifully reimagined Flagship store opens its doors in Kuwait, we’re also celebrating an exciting new chapter – a commitment to open 500 new coffeeshops across MENA, creating 5,000 new jobs.

There’s more to our new Kuwait store than meets the eye. It is also the latest addition to our growing number of Signing Stores – providing an accessible third place for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Journey with us to Kuwait to explore everything the unique new store has to offer.

A journey in Kuwait

Wander the streets of Kuwait City and you’ll find a place where tradition and modernity coexist in beautiful harmony.  Freshly ground cardamom wafts from the open doors of coffeehouses, mingling with the salty breeze off the Arabian Gulf. Sunlight glints off the ornate domes of the city’s many ancient mosques and the glass facades of towering skyscrapers. Continue on your travels and soon you’ll reach the heart of this bustling metropolis – The Avenues.

The Avenues is the second largest shopping mall in the Persian Gulf and Kuwait’s premier shopping destination. Inside this vibrant hub is a Starbucks store…with a difference. When the Grand Avenue Starbucks Revere first opened its doors in 2012, it was more than just another coffeehouse – it was a landmark. At the time, it was the largest Starbucks store in the world. Now, after extensive refurbishment, it is ready to welcome customers once again.

A fusion of Kuwaiti heritage and contemporary style

The Avenues is housed within a breathtaking, domed building that, from the outside, resembles sparkling disco balls. The design is no less impressive on the inside. Enter and you’ll follow a paved street lined with tall palm trees, until you spot a familiar sign: Starbucks.

Step inside the two-story, 5,000-square-foot Starbucks store and you will be greeted by an interior that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. The design, carefully curated to pay homage to Kuwaiti craftsmanship, features intricate woodwork reminiscent of the country’s architectural heritage. Elaborate murals adorn the walls, depicting artistic interpretations of Kuwaiti folklore and mystical desert landscapes.

Above, lantern-style light fixtures illuminate the store, casting a soft glow that invites visitors to relax and escape the bustle of the street outside. The lights pay homage to traditional oil lamps that can be found across many Middle Eastern countries.  

“When you walk into this iconic store, you can truly feel our partners’ passion and craftsmanship in sourcing, roasting, and serving the finest coffee in the world,” remarked Brian Niccol, Starbucks Chairman and CEO, who visited the store on opening day, “it’s a warm and welcoming coffeehouse that invites customers to sit, stay, and connect over a great beverage. The investments we’ve made to renovate it reflect our commitment to the Middle East market and Kuwait, where we opened our first store in the region more than 25 years ago.”

An inclusive third place

As with every Starbucks coffeehouse, The Avenues store is designed to be more than just a place to enjoy great coffee – it’s a third place that brings people together. In this spirit, the new store represents the country’s very first Signing Store. Customers who are Deaf and hard of hearing can order in Kuwaiti Sign Language, supported by baristas who have undergone special training.  

“Training the baristas was not just about teaching signs – it was about building empathy, raising awareness, and creating real understanding,” explains Jaber Al-Kandari, sign language instructor at Kuwait Maastricht College of Management, “the team embraced the training with enthusiasm, and I’m incredibly proud of the connections they’re now able to build with the deaf community. By learning Kuwaiti Sign Language, the baristas now provide a more inclusive experience, reflecting Starbucks’ commitment to a welcoming and accessible environment for all.”

Coffee tradition meets Starbucks innovation

Coffee is more than just a drink in Kuwait – it’s a symbol that represents hospitality, tradition, and connection. From majlis gatherings to traditional weddings, the preparation and serving of coffee hold deep cultural significance. The new store honours this heritage by incorporating elements of traditional Arabic coffee culture into the Starbucks experience.

“Since its opening in 2012, this Starbucks Reserve has been a beloved destination for visitors to The Avenues,” commented the Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group, Mohammed Alshaya, “we’re working with Starbucks to continually enhance the coffee experience through stores that resonate with local markets and culture. The reopening of this Reserve store underscores our pride in delivering a global Starbucks Experience with genuine local appeal.”

One of the highlights of the new store is its Starbucks Reserve™ Bar. Here, skilled baristas prepare small-lot, rare coffees using a variety of unique brewing methods. Such as the Clover™ Brewing System, which carefully controls time and temperature to unlock new dimensions within the coffee’s aroma, body and acidity.

Arabic coffee, known locally as gahwa, is typically brewed with lightly roasted beans, cardamom, and sometimes saffron, giving it a distinctive aroma and flavour. Served in small cups, it is customarily accompanied by dates and offered as a gesture of welcome. In store, we offer a contemporary take on coffee while still honouring these Kuwaiti rituals, offering customers the choice to enjoy coffee brewed in a more traditional manner.

 Coffee, culture, and community

Whether savouring a traditional gahwa or a handcrafted Starbucks classic, the reimagined Starbucks Reserve store is designed to honour Kuwaiti heritage, celebrate the regional coffee culture, and provide a blissful retreat for the local community to connect. We hope to welcome you soon!