GEORGE TOWN: Starbucks Malaysia has opened its first Starbucks Reserve store in Penang – its 12th in Malaysia — in Gurney Plaza.
Starbucks Malaysia and Brunei managing director Sydney Quays said Starbucks is now focusing on Starbucks Reserve outlets because of the increasing fascination with coffee knowledge among the public.
“We understand now that there are a lot of people who know their coffee very well. They have learnt and experienced. So we need to be able to elevate too, so people can really learn and experience.
“Creating unique stores is also what we like to do. It will attract tourists to come and experience, and it will help boost the tourism industry in the state and the country,” he told a press conference after the store’s opening today.
He said Starbucks Reserve outlets are exclusive, emphasising coffee engagement and education, besides being the only places where customers can get exotic imported coffees such as ‘Papua New Guinea Kigabah Estate,’ ‘Nicaragua Dipilto’ and ‘Rwanda Abakundawa.’
“All the coffees are sourced from farms by Starbucks. These farms can only support Starbucks, and we can’t have a lot of Starbucks Reserve (outlets) because we don’t have enough coffee. All these coffees are also available only while stocks last,” he added.
Quays said the outlet had been converted from an existing Starbucks store due to its strategic location, great atmosphere and the conducive environment provided by the Gurney Plaza management.
“I wish I could have a different location. I like Armenian Street very much. Hopefully one day we will be there with a different concept that suits the heritage of the street,” he added.
The new store features two bars. The baristas are all certified Coffee Masters who handcraft beverages using brewing techniques like Siphon, Chemex, Pour-over and Black Eagle manual espresso machines and Nitro Cold Brew taps to bring out the coffee’s flavours. – Jan 10, 2020 Bernama
