In bustling cities and quiet neighbourhoods alike, Starbucks familiar green siren often signals more than just a caffeine stop. It represents that essential ‘third place’ – a reliable comfort zone bridging the gap between home and work, a space for quiet focus, friendly catchups, or simply a moment’s pause. 

But in a world where connection often happens online more than off, many of those third places have been quietly disappearing. As a brand built on human connection – Starbucks mission is more relevant today than ever. That’s why the brand is reimagining what a modern third place can be: welcoming, accessible, and as vibrant and diverse as the communities it serves. In other words, the brand is getting “Back to Starbucks”. 

 A commitment to local communities

Since the first Starbucks store opened its doors in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market in 1971, the coffeehouse has served the community more than just its expertly crafted coffee. Coffeehouses have long acted as vital neighbourhood waypoints. 

From day one, Starbucks was built on one simple idea: bringing people together over good coffee. Now with coffeehouses all over the world, Starbucks is more committed than ever to ensuring it remains at the heart of local communities. 

Visit the Ümraniye Yamanevler store in Türkiye and you’ll find an example of this commitment in action. Each Starbucks coffeehouse is unique, designed to be vibrant expressions of the surrounding neighbourhoods – the Ümraniye Yamanevler store is no exception.

More than a café, the Ümraniye Yamanevler coffeehouse symbolises Starbucks investment in the neighbourhood’s future. Starbucks partnered with non-profit organisation Community Volunteers Foundation (TOG) to create a space that is uniquely designed to serve the area’s young people – where they can learn, create, connect, and plan for the future. It’s all part of a wider commitment in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, where The Starbucks Foundation and the Alshaya Group are investing $6million into equipping 250,000 young people with critical life and career skills. 

Central to the “Back to Starbucks” direction is this focus on local impact. Starbucks stores strive to deliver measurable benefits that ripple across the entire community – creating sustainable jobs, youth opportunities, and providing skills training that extend beyond just barista roles.