Poll: Starbucks to Serve Alcohol

You soon may be able to get a different kind of brew at your neighborhood Starbucks.

Responding to customer feedback for more options to relax in its stores in the evenings, Starbucks plans to bring wine, beer and premium food offerings (such as savory snacks, small plates and hot flatbreads) to four to six locations in Atlanta and Southern California by the end of 2012.

“Building an evening day-part is a natural progression for us as we are always looking for ways to evolve and enhance the Starbucks Experience based on what our customers are telling us,” said Clarice Turner, senior vice president, U.S. Operations, in a press release. “We’re pleased with the response of our customers to the introduction of wine, beer and premium food at several of our stores in the Pacific Northwest, and we’re excited to see how the idea translates to other markets.”

Since first introducing the evening day-part concept at its Olive Way location in Seattle in October 2010, Starbucks has seen success creating an occasion for customers later in the day through an expanded food and beverage menu, according to the release. Five stores in the Seattle area and one in Portland currently serve wine, beer and premium food.

The wine and beer list will be hand-selected to reflect local customer tastes and preferences and will be refined over time.

“As our customers transition from work to home, many are looking for a warm and inviting place to unwind and connect with the people they care about,” Turner said in the release.

Marietta Starbucks Locations