Select Starbucks Locations To Start Serving Beer and Wine

By the end of the year, five to seven locations in the Chicago area will be adding beer, wine and savory snacks to their menus. The company said it made the move in response to customer feedback requesting more options to relax in its stores in the evening.

“As our customers transition from work to home, many are looking for a warm and inviting place to unwind and connect with the people they care about,” said Clarice Turner, senior vice president of U.S. Operations in a press announcement Monday.

Starbucks already has rolled out the concept at five stores in the Seattle area and one in Portland, Oregon.

"As we explored the concept in the Pacific Northwest, people enjoyed the experience," Zack Hutson, a company spokesperson, told Patch. "We will [bring the concept to a] select group of stores that are relevant to the neighborhood and the customer base in each of the those areas. This is not something we would bring to stores that are not relevant."

The list of Chicago area locations has not been released yet, but the spokesperson told Patch that "it's possible" that would be the type of community that would be appropriate for the new menu.

The six stores that are currently serving beer and wine also have added items such as chipotle chicken wraps, chicken lettuce wraps and a salumi and cheese plate to their menus.

The menu that will be served in Chicago area stores will be different from the one that is currently being served in the Pacific Northwest.

"It will be tailored to cater to the market taste and preferences. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, we serve wines that are from the Pacific Northwest," Hutson said.

At this time, Starbucks is only planning to focus its evening day-part concept in the Chicago area, Atlanta, Southern California and the Pacific Northwest.