23.5 Degrees opens 80th Starbucks store

Milestone reached in just eight years. Company plans to have 300 outlets open by 2027

Starbucks’ first UK franchised business partner has opened its 80th store.

23.5 Degrees launched its latest outlet in King’s Lynn, Norfolk on March 26. The company has an ambitious expansion programme, with plans to reach 300 stores by 2027. 

Mark Hepburn, 23.5 Degrees managing director, says: “The last year has been challenging, but opening this Starbucks store demonstrates our commitment to our ambitious growth plans. 

“We could not have achieved our success without our investors, contractors and Starbucks itself. 

“Most importantly, I’d like to thank our partners, who have delivered day in, day out to ensure we continue to serve our customers and build the business.”

23.5 Degrees, which now has more than 1,300 employees, opened its first Starbucks store in Liphook, Hampshire in February 2013. 

Despite the pandemic, the company opened seven drive thru stores in 2020. It aims to reach 100 stores by March 2022.

23.5 Degrees is seeking both freehold and leasehold drive thru sites on main arterial routes, close to major retail destinations or on large industrial estates. 

It will also consider retail park and drive-to destinations, as well as high street units in high footfall locations with a minimum size of 1,500 sq ft.

“We’re able to move fast on great new sites,” Mark says.

“Our use of modular design and build enables our landlords to have our stores trading faster. 

“We’re keeping our foot on the gas and plan to reach 300 stores in the next six years.”