Recent reports indicate that Starbucks locations in Russia are updating how guests interact with cup branding. Instead of the traditional signature of the customer’s name on cups, a marker will be used to mark the name in a new, standardized process. This change has been circulated by Moscow 24 as a current development within the chain’s Russian footprint.
According to a source close to the coffeehouse network, visitors at Starbucks venues may notice several updates introduced to enhance the guest experience. A new system is planned to replace the familiar handwritten name on cups with a format produced by a thermal printing method. This shift suggests a move toward a more uniform and efficient production approach at participating stores.
Beyond branding changes, there are notes about the appearance of the cups themselves. The color options for the drinkware are expected to vary, allowing customers to select a mug color that aligns with their mood. Some observers interpret this as an effort to add a personal touch to the in-store experience, potentially influencing how guests perceive and interact with the space where they order and enjoy beverages. The color choice may also present new opportunities for social interactions within the venues.
Menu changes are also anticipated as part of the broader modernization. It is reported that hot meals will not be part of the everyday offering in these locations. However, the shops will continue to feature a curated selection from the main menu, including items such as sandwiches, salads, pastas, pastries, and a range of desserts. These adjustments seem designed to preserve core offerings while streamlining kitchen operations to fit the updated format.
In mid-summer, the corporate leadership of Starbucks Russia reportedly shifted hands when a new ownership group emerged. The Sindika holding, a consortium led by restaurateur Anton Pinsky, rapper Timati, and Senator Arsen Kanokov, was identified as the incoming managing body for the business. The leadership change signals a strategic transition as the brand integrates with local market conditions and consumer expectations.
On July 30, Timati issued a public note announcing the formal acquisition of the Starbucks assets within Russia. This development marks a formal step in reorganizing ownership and governance of the regional franchise, with implications for store-level operations and branding going forward.
Previously, media outlets such as socialbites.ca reported that the new owners would implement changes to the menu and consider revisions to the brand’s logo. These statements suggest a broader plan to refresh the Starbucks presence in Russia while maintaining recognizable elements of the brand for local customers.