Starbucks: “More Than Coffee, It’s Become A Gathering Place”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For many Bahamians, the morning commute isn’t complete without a stop at one of the many Starbucks locations across the country.

This week, the popular coffeehouse marked 20 years of serving The Bahamas with a vibrant celebration at its Harbour Bay store.

The space was transformed into a festive atmosphere featuring balloons, live coffee demonstrations, flavored cupcakes, and the debut of a limited-edition anniversary drink, the Bahama Blush.

Starbucks Bahamas General Manager Dino Matsas credited the company’s two-decade success to its loyal customers and the dedication of more than 200 partners, the company’s term for team members.

“We’re grateful; we don’t take it for granted. We continue to grow, we’re looking at opening our seventeenth store very soon,” Matsas said.

From Tea Drinkers to Coffee Lovers

Inga Bowleg, Director of Business Development at the John Bull Group of Companies, which owns the Starbucks franchise in The Bahamas, reflected on the brand’s journey since opening its first store at Marina Village on Paradise Island in 2005.

“At first, we weren’t sure how Bahamians would respond. People said Bahamians are tea drinkers, not coffee drinkers, but 20 years later, we’ve proven that absolutely incorrect,” Bowleg shared.

She noted that the opening of the Southwest Plaza location solidified Starbucks’ place in Bahamian culture, transforming it from a coffee stop into a community gathering space.

“They started coming to us in that community and all other communities for more than coffee. It’s become a gathering place, we always say you have your home, your office, and your third place is Starbucks,” Bowleg added.

The anniversary celebration concluded with a spirited Junkanoo rush-out, perfectly blending global coffee culture with Bahamian tradition, a fitting tribute to 20 years of community, caffeine, and connection.