Stars Coffee: Moscow’s New Coffee Powerhouse
Why a Rebrand Matters
After Starbucks pulled out of Russia this spring, a famous rapper‑turned‑owner and a seasoned restaurateur decided to keep the coffee dream alive under a fresh banner. The result? Stars Coffee, aka the brand that’s set to take over the vacated coffee shop “vacuum.”
The Launch in the Capital
- The grand opening took place in the heart of Moscow on August 18.
- Timati, the star‑rapper, unveiled the new logo – a woman crowned with a bright star – alongside Anton Pinskiy.
- Shops are slated to open for business on Friday, with the first batch of bars scheduled for rollout in August and September.
Designing a “New” Star
Bye-bye Starbucks logo, hello fresh vibes! While the old chain used a simple green leaf, the duo engineered a design that maintains subtle nods:
- The circular shape is a cheeky homage to the familiar Starbucks vibe.
- Original “female” icon replaces the previous “masculine” green‑brown cue, giving the brand a touch of sparkle and surprise.
- Pinskiy notes, “If you compare, then apart from the circle, you won’t find anything in common.” That’s a wink to the market’s familiarity crisis.
Logistics and Supply Chain Reboot
Moving away from Starbucks’ extensive supplier network was a daunting task. It turns out, it’s not as hard as it sounds:
- Beans fly in from Latin America and Africa – still verifying freshness.
- Other consumables … sourced locally in Russia, giving a boost to domestic vendors.
- “We just found other suppliers, found the right roasters, and because the baristas mixed it all correctly, we have a product we think will be competitive,” Anton claims.
What’s Lost, What’s New?
Starbucks exited Russia after nearly 15 years, closing 130 stores and leaving ~2,000 employees behind. With the restart, Stars Coffee hopes to:
- Keep Russia’s coffee culture thriving, even if it’s traditionally tea‑ish.
- Introduce a blend that mixes Latin, African, and local flavours.
- Deliver a “star‑driven” vibe that is loud, bright, and undeniably unique.
What’s Next for Moscow’s Coffee Scene?
Time will tell if Stars Coffee can outshine the old familiar green leaf in a market undergoing a cultural facelift. One thing’s clear – the coffee universe in Russia just got a shiny new star in its ranking.
Wider trend
Alshaya & Timati: A Fresh Take on Coffee after Starbucks Vanishes
When Starbucks pulled the plug on its Russian operations, many traditional franchise players thought they’d been left standing on the sidelines. But a surprising partnership is set to shake things up.
Who’s Behind the Move?
- Alshaya – a global franchise giant that traces its roots back to Kuwait.
- Timati – Russia’s biggest rap sensation, who’s more than just a MC; he’s a business mogul with a portfolio that goes from burgers to Pan‑Asian cuisine.
How It Unfolded
“It’s the same story as a lot of the other big names out here. We won the tender, no surprise there – many folks were shouting to get in. Once we bought the rights, we rebranded it for ourselves,” Timati shared on a casual interview with a news outlet.
While the press had been all over the scene, Alshaya didn’t reply to a note for comments, keeping the details mostly hush‑hush.
Other Big Names in the Mix
- Renault – sold almost all of its stake in the Russian carmaker Avtovaz for a single rouble.
- McDonald’s – the chain rebranded as Vkusno & tochka (meaning “Tasty & Spot”), though the deal’s price stayed under wraps.
- Starbucks – the franchise model didn’t leave any buyback option, so the exit was clean and swift.
Conversation with a Coffee Connoisseur
In an intriguing twist, Pinskiy—who jokes that he’s never had coffee—talked about the Alshaya deal and said, “We invested as much as we paid it; it’s a costly pleasure.” Yet he hinted at future ventures that we’re leaving for you to imagine.
Why a Rap Star? The Black Star Burger Connection
Timati’s culinary footprint isn’t just a side hustle. He co‑owns Black Star Burger in Russia, featuring the “Timati Burger.” The brand’s flair for headlines lives on, from the anthem he recorded in 2015 praising President Putin to its bold taste.
Pinskiy’s collection also includes the partnership with Timati, REDBOX, a Pan‑Asian joint venture that’s been fanning the flames of flavor across the city.
Takeaway
With many western brands eyeing new strategies under the Russian economy’s shifting dynamics, the Alshaya & Timati combo shows how unconventional allies can punch above their weight. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a burger buff, or merely a fan of cultural mash‑ups, this partnership proves that when giants forget a market, entrepreneurs can pick up the pieces—and serve up something that dares to be different.
