Starbucks has opened a new Community Store in Ümraniye Yamanevler, Türkiye, as part of its ambitious plan to establish 1,000 such locations globally by 2030. These stores are designed to serve as “third places,” a concept coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. Third places are spaces outside of home and work where people can connect, learn, and be themselves.
These communal spaces are increasingly recognised as vital to human wellbeing. Offering safe, accessible environments for social interaction, they help foster a sense of belonging and community. However, the availability of third places has declined in recent years due to changes in urban design, evolving lifestyles, and shifting social habits.
Starbucks’ Community Stores aim to address this decline, serving as vibrant hubs that promote connection, equity, and opportunity.
A Community Hub in Ümraniye Yamanevler
The Ümraniye Yamanevler Community Store exemplifies Starbucks’ commitment to preserving and revitalising third places. Developed in collaboration with the Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG), the store benefits from a $135,000 grant provided by The Starbucks Foundation. This funding supports educational programmes that equip young people with the skills needed to succeed in their future careers.
In addition to offering educational resources, the store features contributions from local artists and suppliers, ensuring it reflects the unique character and culture of its neighbourhood.
Community Stores in Action Across EMEA
Starbucks’ Community Stores programme first took shape in the United States, with locations in Harlem, New York, and Crenshaw, Los Angeles. The concept has since expanded globally, with stores across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
One standout example is the all-female-operated drive-thru in Saudi Arabia, launched in 2022. This store supports national initiatives to increase female workforce participation from 22% to 30% over the coming years.
In the UK, Starbucks’ focus on inclusivity is evident in its British Sign Language (BSL) training programme. Inspired by a barista’s personal efforts to better serve a Deaf customer, over 11,000 employees across 450 stores have now completed BSL training.
Preserving and Promoting Inclusivity
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the Community Stores initiative. Starbucks works closely with organisations like the British Deaf Association to ensure its stores are accessible and welcoming for all. Features such as innovative order boards and dedicated Signing Stores highlight Starbucks’ commitment to meeting the needs of diverse communities.
The Ümraniye Yamanevler store builds on this tradition, creating a space where young people can explore their passions, connect with peers, and engage in creative pursuits. By partnering with TOG, Starbucks ensures the store serves as a resource for the community while reflecting the vibrancy of its surroundings.
A Vision Rooted in Connection
Starbucks’ Community Stores programme reflects its broader mission to create meaningful spaces for connection. From its beginnings at Pike Place Market in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks has prioritised building third places where people can come together and feel a sense of belonging.
With the launch of the Ümraniye Yamanevler store, Starbucks continues to reimagine what it means to foster community and preserve the spirit of third places. These initiatives underline the company’s dedication to promoting connection and equity in neighbourhoods around the world.
