Global coffee chain Starbucks has announced its entry into the Georgian market through a partnership with Kuwait-based franchise operator Alshaya Group, marking its expansion into the Caucasus region.
The company said its first outlet will open in Tbilisi in summer 2026, with the debut location planned at Axis Towers on Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue.
The launch is part of Starbucks’ broader international growth strategy and strengthens Alshaya Group’s footprint across Eurasia, where it already operates hundreds of Starbucks stores.
Following the initial launch, Starbucks and Alshaya plan to expand into other Georgian cities over time, tapping into the country’s evolving café culture and growing consumer base.
The project has been supported by Georgian government bodies, including Enterprise Georgia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after years of negotiations, site evaluations, and market research involving multiple senior delegations.
Saleh Alshaya, President of Starbucks at Alshaya Group, said the company sees strong potential in the market, citing Georgia’s “developed café culture and dynamic consumer environment,” and added that the brand aims to deliver its signature experience while supporting local suppliers and creating jobs.
Duncan Moir, President of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the move will allow the company to “offer its coffee experience to new customers” while contributing to local communities and strengthening regional connections.
Starbucks currently operates in more than 90 countries with over 40,000 stores globally, and its entry into Georgia represents a new milestone in its international expansion.
For Alshaya Group, one of Starbucks’ largest licensed partners globally, the move further extends its presence across emerging Eurasian markets, where it already manages a significant network of stores.
The entry is also expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to Georgia’s economic development, while elevating service standards in the country’s food and beverage sector.
