Alshaya Group expands Starbucks licensed business with first coffeehouse in Georgia – following the acquisition of Starbucks Greece and Cyprus
- Alshaya Group opens first Starbucks coffeehouse in Georgia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s retail and hospitality landscape
- The opening follows Alshaya Group’s recent acquisition of the Starbucks franchise in Greece and Cyprus, becoming the new exclusive owner and operator
Kuwait, 13 July 2026 – Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators and one of the Starbucks Coffee Company’s largest and longest-standing licensed business partners, have officially opened the first Starbucks coffeehouse in Georgia.
The first customers were welcomed into the new store in Tbilisi’s Vake district at Axis Towers, marking a significant milestone in both Starbucks continued global growth journey and Alshaya Group’s expanding presence across Eurasia.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Tbilisi Starbucks was attended by Mr. Irakli Nadareishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Mr. Mikheil Khidureli, CEO of Enterprise Georgia; Mr. Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group; and Mr. John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, marking the official opening of Starbucks in Georgia and highlighting the significance of the investment for the country’s growing economy.
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 80 countries globally, we are 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.”
The launch of Starbucks in Georgia was made possible through the support and collaboration of key business and government stakeholders, including Enterprise Georgia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Embassy of Georgia in Kuwait, and the Turkish Embassy in Tbilisi (Commercial Consulate).
Alshaya Group has a strong presence across Eurasia, operating more than 800 Starbucks stores across Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
In April this year, Alshaya Group announced that it has acquired the Starbucks Greece & Cyprus licensed business, becoming the new exclusive owner and operator of the business. Opening in 2002, Starbucks Greece & Cyprus operates 30 stores in Greece and 18 in Cyprus and employs around 500 people.
As one of Starbucks’ largest and long-standing licensed partners across the world, since it’s first Starbucks in Kuwait in 1999, Alshaya Group now operates over 2,000 stores in 16 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa and Eurasia regions, offering the unique Starbucks experience to over one million customers every day.
About Alshaya Group
Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned business, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of over 50 well-loved, international brands to customers.
Alshaya Group’s portfolio extends across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Türkiye and Europe, with over 3,500 stores, cafes, restaurants, and leisure destinations, major logistics and food production operations, as well as over 125 online and digital businesses including one of the region’s biggest retail loyalty programmes, Aura.
Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, and Hospitality & Entertainment, over 50,000 Alshaya colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.
From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the experiences they want with the brands they love, in the ways they choose – including Starbucks, American Eagle, Foot Locker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Primark, and Ulta Beauty.
Learn more
about Alshaya Group at www.alshaya.com
For media enquiries: [email protected]
About Starbucks Coffee Company
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to responsibly sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with a global footprint of more than 41,000 company-operated and licensed coffeehouses and a growing presence in consumer-packaged goods, we are the world’s premier purveyor of specialty coffee. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.