Starbucks Launches in Georgia

14 Apr 2026

First Stores to Open This Summer in Tbilisi with partnership with Alshaya Group 

Starbucks Coffee Company has today announced that it is to open Starbucks coffee shops in Georgia in partnership with Kuwait-based Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators and one of Starbucks largest and longest-standing license partners.

This new expansion marks a significant milestone in both the Starbucks growth journey and Alshaya’s presence across the Eurasia region, with a strong focus on supporting local employment and contributing to the economic and social development in the region.

The first Starbucks stores in Georgia will open in Tbilisi’s Vake district, specifically on Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue at Axis Towers in summer 2026, with further expansion planned in other cities across Georgia. The entry of Starbucks into Georgia has been facilitated with the support of business organizations and government institutions, including Enterprise Georgia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Embassy of Georgia in Kuwait, and the Turkish Embassy in Tbilisi (Commercial Consulate).

Combining Alshaya Group’s operational excellence with Starbucks high standards of quality, innovation, and hospitality, the brand is committed to delivering a unique and elevated coffee experience to even more customers across Eurasia, as well as creating new opportunities for local suppliers and partner (employee) employment and development in Georgia. 

Saleh Alshaya, President of Starbucks at Alshaya Group, said: “We are proud to be introducing Starbucks to coffee lovers in Georgia.  The much-anticipated arrival of Starbucks resonates with the strong café culture and young, dynamic consumer base, across the region. Our goal is to ensure as many people as possible experience Starbucks’ premium quality and distinctive hospitality, while also supporting local suppliers and creating new employment opportunities in Georgia.”

Duncan Moir, President Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “With 41,000 coffeehouses in over 90 countries globally, we are now proud to be able to bring the Starbucks coffeehouse experience to new customers in Georgia, in partnership with Alshaya Group.   We’re excited to build new customer connections as we continue to invest in the communities we serve.” 

Mikheil Khidureli, Director of Enterprise Georgia said: “With the involvement of the Embassy of Georgia in Kuwait, Enterprise Georgia conducted multi-year negotiations with Alshaya Group. This long and intensive process has now yielded concrete results, and Starbucks officially enters the Georgian market. The arrival of one of the world’s most recognized brands will create new jobs, improve service standards, and further strengthen Georgia’s investment appeal.”

Alshaya Group has a strong presence in Eurasia, operating over 800 Starbucks in Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, as well as across the Middle East, with a total of 2,000 Starbucks coffee shops in 13 markets across its portfolio.  

Aligned with its global mission, Starbucks will continue focusing on youth employment, developing community initiatives, and supporting environmental responsibility efforts in Georgia.