Starbucks to Sell Alcohol in Thousands of Stores

Since 2010, Starbucks has been testing something called "Starbucks Evenings" — modified units meant to serve beer, wine, and tapas-like plates after dark — in select regions across the country. Today, on the heels of the announcement of their partnership with Oprah, the green giant confirms that it will be rolling out Starbucks Evenings in cities across the country effective immediately. Where will the 'bux serve wine and beer next?

Today, only 40 of the more than 11,000 Starbucks in the country are involved in the after-hours program, including the ones in DC's Dulles airport and inside LA's LAX. Chief Operating Officer Troy Alstead told Bloomberg in a phone interview that the company will be bringing alcohol to thousands of stores in the near future. Though, says Alstead, the rollout will take several years and isn't expected to hit every store in the country. The company plans to focus on urban and other growth areas first.

· Starbucks to Bring Alcohol Sales to Thousands of Stores [Bloomberg]
· All Starbucks' Coverage [-E-]

— Daniela Galarza