Starbucks today marked 10 years in Cambodia, celebrating a decade defined by growth, coffee craft and community impact. Since opening its first store in Phnom Penh in 2015 through its licensed partner Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited, part of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group, Starbucks has grown to 57 coffeehouses across 8 cities nationwide, becoming a beloved third place for Cambodian communities, served by over 500 partners (employees) who proudly wear the green apron.
During his first visit to Cambodia to commemorate the milestone, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the market. Joined by Michael Wu, chairman and managing director of Maxim’s Caterers Limited, Starbucks long‑standing regional license partner, the two leaders connected with partners who have shaped Starbucks journey in Cambodia and celebrated the market’s 10th anniversary together.
“Celebrating ten years in Cambodia is about more than time. It’s about the connections we’ve built with partners, customers and communities,” said Niccol. “Our success stems from our long-standing licensed partner, Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited, who truly reflects our mission and values. Together, we’ve created Starbucks experiences that resonate locally and honor Cambodia’s unique coffee story. This blend of global brand and local soul makes our partnership powerful as we look to our next chapter of growth.”
Elevating Coffee Craft and Culture in Cambodia
Over the past decade, Starbucks Cambodia has played a defining role in shaping the market’s modern café culture, elevating the local coffee experience through its signature espresso offerings, handcrafted beverages and unwavering commitment to quality.
Commemorating its 10-year milestone, the company opened its 50th store in February – the Starbucks Reserve™ Diamond, located on Koh Pich (Diamond Island). This store adds to a growing portfolio of three Reserve stores nationwide. A celebration of Cambodian artistry inspired by traditional Khmer architecture, the store pays tribute to Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage while offering an elevated experience featuring Starbucks Reserve™ coffees.
The company also introduced its first drive-thru store in 2022, bringing greater convenience and accessibility to Cambodian customers. Cambodia is also home to the 2025 Asia Pacific Greener Store of Year, the Kampot “Fish Market” store. This store reflects Starbucks commitment to creating spaces that inspire connection and care for the community and planet through features such as water-saving fixtures, recycled construction materials, and waste reduction practices.
“Cambodia’s coffee culture has truly flourished, and we’re proud to have been part of this journey, honoring local coffee heritage while serving handcrafted beverages in welcoming third places that reflect both our global coffee craft and the vibrant spirit of Cambodia,” said Michael Wu, chairman and managing director of Maxim’s Caterers Limited. “With a growing community of Starbucks Rewards members, Starbucks Cambodia has become part of everyday life – a place where people connect, share, and belong.”
Investing in Partners and Future Leaders
The success of Starbucks in Cambodia is driven by its partners. Today, half of Starbucks partners in the market are Coffee Masters, proudly wearing the Black Apron as a symbol of their deep coffee knowledge, passion, and connection to their communities.
For Starbucks partners, the coffeehouse is more than a workplace – it is a place to learn, lead, and grow. Through mentorship and skills-building initiatives to programs like Barista Basics Training and Coffee Master certification, Starbucks Cambodia provides continuous opportunities to strengthen both coffee craft and leadership capabilities.
Reflecting its commitment to helping partners bridge to a better future, Starbucks Cambodia has developed more than 200 retail leaders through a structured learning roadmap that support every stage of the partner career journey. This ensures the next generation of Cambodian coffee leaders continue to grow with the company and carry forward its culture of learning and growth.
“At Starbucks, everything we do starts and ends with our green apron partners. We are committed to making Starbucks the unrivaled best job in retail – seeing every partner not just for the role they hold today, but for the potential they carry into the future,” says Por Lim, general manager, Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited. “With best-in-class benefits and career development opportunities, we are proud that nine in ten of our partners in Cambodia see Starbucks as a great place to work. That recognition inspires us to keep empowering partners to grow, lead, and thrive.”
Strengthening Communities Across the Kingdom
As the community coffeehouse, Starbucks Cambodia continues to serve with purpose, creating opportunities and uplifting people across the market. Over the past decade, the company, along with The Starbucks Foundation, has partnered with leading nonprofit organizations to advance education, youth empowerment and inclusive growth.
Since 2018, Starbucks Cambodia and The Starbucks Foundation have collaborated with The Asia Foundation to promote literacy and learning among young Cambodians, nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders. In partnership with Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), grant funding from The Starbucks Foundation supports vocational training to prepare youth for future careers, with Starbucks partners volunteering to share relevant skills. Additionally, working alongside Plan International Cambodia, Starbucks Cambodia and The Starbucks Foundation have empowered 230 young women with the skills and confidence to launch and sustain their own businesses.
To improve access to clean water, Starbucks Cambodia and The Starbucks Foundation partner with Planet Water Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean water and hygiene solutions to communities in need. Through this collaboration since 2017, Starbucks partners volunteered to construct 10 AquaTowers, community-based water filtration systems, delivering safe drinking water and hygiene education to more than 18,000 rural students and villagers.
Through these long-term partnerships and partner volunteering throughout the year, Starbucks Cambodia continues to create meaningful change beyond its coffeehouses – championing education, equity, and sustainability for communities across the Kingdom.
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at https://about.starbucks.com/ or www.starbucks.com.
