Starbucks Opens First China Coffee Master Store in Beijing

In a significant move for China’s coffee scene, Starbucks has officially launched its first-ever Coffee Master Store in Beijing. This isn’t just another branch—it’s the company’s 100th location in the city and the very first in China built around its elite Coffee Master baristas. With a full roster of highly trained partners, the store offers a more specialized coffee experience, focusing on skills, education, and craft. For customers curious about what makes a true coffee expert tick, this is where to find out.

Yes, this is the first Starbucks in China where every staff member is a certified Coffee Master—a title earned through rigorous training, exams, and ongoing evaluation. The Beijing store marks the debut of this concept in China and is also Starbucks’ 100th shop in the capital city.

What Is a Starbucks Coffee Master?

At Starbucks, becoming a Coffee Master isn’t casual. Partners must complete extensive training and pass a strict certification exam. Their role focuses on the “last 10 feet” of the coffee journey—that critical moment when baristas prepare drinks, share knowledge, and connect with customers over coffee. Beyond initial certification, Coffee Masters must consistently practice and retake evaluations to maintain the title. They’re trained not only in espresso techniques but also in coffee tasting, brewing methods, and fostering human connection over a cup.

What Makes the Beijing Coffee Master Store Different?

The Beijing Coffee Master Store breaks new ground by staffing every single team member as a Coffee Master. This ensures that every interaction—whether you're ordering an espresso, learning how to taste coffee, or watching a latte being poured—comes from a certified expert. The store emphasizes personalized service, hands-on brewing demonstrations, and a deeper dive into coffee craft. Staff are skilled with fully manual machines and are also trained in unique pour-over methods like the funnel-style hand brew, as well as advanced latte art. Customers can expect a more tailored coffee experience, with the opportunity to explore brewing options and ask detailed questions about origin, roast, and flavor.

Training Behind the Title

To earn the Coffee Master designation, Starbucks partners undergo a structured curriculum. This includes deep dives into coffee origins, brewing science, sensory skills, and customer engagement. The final step is a formal certification exam. But the learning doesn’t stop there—Coffee Masters must continue practicing their skills and retake assessments regularly to retain the title. The Beijing store takes this expertise to the next level by ensuring that every team member meets this high standard, creating a team entirely focused on coffee mastery.

Why This Matters for China’s Coffee Culture

This store signals Starbucks’ effort to raise the bar for coffee retail in China. By concentrating all expertise in one location, it offers a new kind of coffee experience—one where education, precision, and personal interaction take center stage. For customers in Beijing, it’s a chance to engage with coffee on a more intimate level, guided by partners who have proven their knowledge and skill. It also reflects Starbucks’ long-term commitment to the Chinese market, now in its 14th year, and its confidence in continuing to grow in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Starbucks Coffee Master?

A Starbucks Coffee Master is a specially trained barista who has passed rigorous certification exams covering coffee knowledge, brewing techniques, and customer engagement. They must continue to practice and re-certify regularly to keep the title.

Where is Starbucks’ first Coffee Master Store located?

The first Starbucks Coffee Master Store in China is located in Beijing. It is also the brand’s 100th store in the city.

Are all the staff at the Beijing Coffee Master Store Coffee Masters?

Yes, every staff member at the Beijing Coffee Master Store is a certified Coffee Master, making it the first such store in China with an all-Coffee-Master team.

What kind of coffee skills do Coffee Masters have?

Coffee Masters are trained in espresso preparation, manual brewing techniques like funnel pour-over, latte art, coffee tasting, and how to communicate coffee knowledge effectively to customers.

How does the Coffee Master Store improve the customer experience?

The store offers a more personalized and educational coffee experience, with baristas capable of guiding customers through brewing choices, flavor profiles, and coffee origins in greater depth.

How long has Starbucks been in China?

Starbucks has been operating in China for 14 years, and the Beijing Coffee Master Store is its 100th location in the city.

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