International coffee chain Starbucks has acquired 23.5 Degrees, its largest franchisee in the United Kingdom (UK), further expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores.
According to Starbucks, the goal of the acquisition is to “enhance the coffeehouse experience for customers”.
This integration brings on board the largest Starbucks-licensed business partner in the market, encompassing approximately 113 stores and 1650 employees.
With this addition, Starbucks is expanding its wholly owned footprint, increasing its total number of company-operated locations to almost 500 in the UK.
Alex Rayner, General Manager of the UK, Switzerland, and Austria at Starbucks, says: “I want to acknowledge the important contributions of 23.5 Degrees and the dedicated green apron partners. This strategic move will enable us to enhance our investment in new locations, elevate our in-store experience, and drive innovation for our UK customers.”
23.5 Degrees is Starbucks’ first UK franchised business partner, with the first store opening in February 2013. The franchisee now has 113 stores – 73 of which are drive through – across the UK with another 25 in the pipeline over the next year, and plans to reach 300 stores by 2028.
