Starbucks‘ recently announced expansion into Iceland is set to become reality in the coming weeks, with its first Reykjavík café expected to open its doors to the public in May 2025.
The initial expansion of the global chain into the Nordic region was announced in August 2024, with Malaysian licensee Berjaya Food Berhad (BFood) to operate two new cafés in Iceland through Berjaya Food International (BFI).
In addition to the pair of Icelandic sites, BFI is also set to operate additional cafés in existing Starbucks markets of Denmark and Finland. The opening of the cafés is BFood’s first venture into the Nordic region.
Starbucks livery is already present on a storefront on a central shopping street in Reykjavík, Laugavegur 66 to 68, while job advertisements listed on Icelandic site Alfred.is indicate the second Starbucks site could be set to be situated across from Lækjartorg Square in downtown Reykjavík.
CEO of BFood Dato’ Sydney Quays has previously said he hopes to pair the best of Malaysian hospitality while focusing on local hiring and sourcing practices at the Nordic sites.
“We are thrilled to announce our new venture of opening Starbucks Coffee stores in the Nordic region,” he says.
“We are excited to bring our expertise and passion for excellence to the vibrant Nordic coffee culture, introducing warm Malaysian hospitality and promising the exceptional Starbucks ‘third place’ experience cherished worldwide.”
BFood has been operating Starbucks stores in Malaysia for more than two decades, and President of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa Duncan Moir says he is pleased the partnership has been expanded across the globe.
“Building on our 26-year relationship with BFood, we are excited to further connect with more customers over a handcrafted Starbucks beverage and make impactful investments in our green apron partners (employees) as well as the community,” Moir says.
Although this pair of Reykjavík cafés will be Starbucks’ first in Iceland, Starbucks coffee has been available to purchase around the country for some time.
