First Starbucks in Varanasi draws huge crowd: ‘Nobody will buy Rs 300 coffee?’

Starbucks in Varanasi: The first Starbucks store in Varanasi saw huge crowds after its inauguration on March 22, possibly silencing naysayers who said the coffee chain would not survive in smaller cities of India.

Sanya Jain

March 29, 2024 / 16:12 IST

Starbucks opened its first store in Varanasi on March 22

Naysayers who said coffee chains like Starbucks will not survive in smaller Indian cities may want to take a look at a video that is currently going viral online. The video has emerged on social media days after Starbucks opened its first outlet in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It shows a large crowd of customers inside the coffee shop, and more waiting outside for entry.

The video was shared on X with the caption: “People earlier: Starbucks wouldn't succeed in small towns because nobody would buy a ₹300 coffee. Meanwhile Varanasi…”

In the clip, every seat within the store appears to be occupied. Outside, a long queue of customers wait for their turn to enter, and motorcycles occupy the parking space.

People earlier : Starbucks wouldn't succeed in small towns because nobody would buy a ₹300 coffee.
Meanwhile Varanasi : pic.twitter.com/KYfSJt1WQ3
— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) March 29, 2024

Pictures of the Varanasi’s first Starbucks had captivated social media earlier this week. With its intricate carvings at the front gate and arched designs, the new Starbucks wears an old-world charm that had many saying “wow.”