These 3 Toronto Starbucks may start selling wine and beer
Coffee giant applies for liquor licenses for three of its cafes in upscale neighbourhoods
Starbucks wants to sell wine and beer at three of its Toronto cafes.
The coffee giant confirmed it's in the "early stages" of launching its Starbucks Evenings pilot program at three of its cafes in relatively affluent neighbourhoods. The company wouldn't say when customers could expect to see the changes.
Starbucks first announced its Evenings plan, which has already been tested in the U.S., would be coming to Canada earlier this year. Customers at participating stores can order wine or beer by the glass after 4 p.m., and snack on olives, nuts and cheese.
"Just as each customer is unique, so are our stores and we consider a broad range of products and experiences for each neighbourhood," said Starbucks spokesperson Madeleine Lowenborg-Frick in an email to CBC News.
The locations are:
- 3079 Bloor Street West, near The Kingsway.
- 446 Spadina Road, in Forest Hill.
- 1740 Avenue Road, in North Toronto near Lawrence Avenue.
The company has filed applications for liquor licenses for all three locations with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The public has until Dec. 27 to provide feedback to the plan.
The AGCO did not say when Starbucks will find out if its licences will be approved.
Lowenborg-Frick said filing the permits is just one of the first of many steps it plans to take before rolling out the program.
Starbucks has been pushing to broaden its product line beyond coffee and tea. In March, it relaunched its bakery line, and it also offers some breakfast and lunch meals.