When New Yorkers aren't like Starbucks, New Yorkers have a new morning drink menu.
Luckin Coffee, China's largest coffee chain, has already arrived in the United States on Monday, June 30.
In China, the coffee giant touts its mobile app, which creates a 100% cashier-free environment in its over 20,000 locations. New York City stores are all located in Manhattan.
However, New York City has banned cashless businesses since the end of 2020. Other major cities, including San Francisco and Philadelphia, have similar laws. USA Today has approached Luckin Coffee to comment on possible future US locations.
According to its website, the Chinese chain based on Xiamen in China wants new customers to understand the high negative affordability and efficiency of its “completely changing the traditional coffee business model” through its mobile app.
To celebrate its New York debut, customers using the app can get their first drinks for $1.99. Luckin Coffee also offers free tote bags for its top 100 in-store guests.
What is Luckin Coffee?
Founded in 2017, Luckin Coffee is the fastest growing coffee chain in China, with over 22,000 locations and dozens of them in Singapore.
Customers waited for orders at Luckin Coffee Shop in Beijing on September 4, 2023.
It is arguably known for its mobile app that creates a cashier-free experience that has allowed the chain to grow rapidly in China.
The company’s investor page notes that its mission is to “create lucky moments and inspiration” and its vision is to “build a world-class coffee brand and be part of everyone’s daily life.”
“We advocate for a more convenient and faster 'new retail' experience,” Luctin's website wrote.
What's in the menu of Luckin Coffee?
Luckin Coffee’s menu features a variety of hot coffee, cold beer and matcha drinks as well as refreshers for its fruity American restaurants.
Some items include the cafe, Caramel Macchiato, Apple Fizzy Americano, Pomelo Americano and Yirgacheffe Flat White.
To view the entire Luckin coffee menu, click here.
This article originally appeared in USA Today: Chinese chain stores (Chinese chain stores) to open 2 New York City stores
