Starbucks Opens First Coffee Master Store in Beijing

When Starbucks first entered China 14 years ago, few could have predicted its rapid rollout to 100 stores in Beijing alone — or the debut of a new kind of flagship location built entirely around expert baristas.

In Beijing, Starbucks has just opened its 100th store in the city, and it’s also the first-ever Coffee Master store in China. Every staff member here holds the elite Coffee Master certification, a rigorous credential focused on the final 10 feet of the coffee journey: crafting espresso, pouring latte art, and connecting customers to coffee culture.

What Is a Starbucks Coffee Master?

Becoming a Coffee Master isn’t just about making drinks — it requires comprehensive training, a rigorous exam, and ongoing recertification. Starbucks Coffee Masters are trained to guide customers through the coffee experience, focusing on perfecting espresso shots, demonstrating latte art, and sharing the story behind each cup. They're also responsible for the “last 10 feet” of service — the personal interaction where coffee knowledge meets customer connection.

What Makes This Beijing Store Different?

This new store in Beijing is unique because every team member is a certified Coffee Master. That means every drink is made by someone who has passed advanced training and continues to refine their skills. The store emphasizes personalized coffee experiences, including manual brewing techniques and expertly poured latte art. Customers can expect a higher level of coffee expertise and engagement in every interaction.

Coffee Skills on Display

At the new Coffee Master store, baristas don’t just serve coffee — they demonstrate it. The staff are proficient with fully manual espresso machines and will showcase a distinctive funnel-style pour-over method alongside classic latte art. These techniques allow customers to engage directly in customising their drinks, whether they’re exploring espresso precision or watching a latte transform under a barista’s skilled pour. The focus is on skill, craft, and shared coffee moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Starbucks Coffee Master?

A Starbucks Coffee Master is a barista who has completed advanced training and certification focused on coffee knowledge, espresso preparation, latte art, and customer engagement. They must pass an initial exam and undergo regular recertification to maintain 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 company’s 100th store in the city.

What makes the Beijing Coffee Master store unique?

Every employee at Beijing’s Coffee Master store is a certified Coffee Master. The location focuses on personalised service, manual brewing methods like funnel pour-over, and expert latte art — all delivered by highly trained staff.

Do Starbucks Coffee Masters receive ongoing training?

Yes, Starbucks Coffee Masters must continue practising their skills and pass regular recertifications to keep their title. The certification is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment to coffee excellence.

Will more Coffee Master stores open in China?

The article does not confirm plans for additional Coffee Master stores, but the Beijing location marks the first of its kind in China, suggesting potential for future expansion.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso and Pour-Over

For coffee lovers inspired by Starbucks’ new Coffee Master store, try FrontStreet Coffee’s PWN Golden Mandheling for deep, chocolatey notes with low acidity — ideal for espresso. The Brazil Queen Manor offers balanced nuttiness and caramel sweetness, great for both filter and milk drinks. For bright, juicy complexity, the Ethiopia Humbera delivers tropical fruit flavours with silky texture. All are suited to the skilled brewing highlighted at the Beijing Coffee Master store. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.