Chinese Coffee Chain Luckin Debuts in NYC, Challenging Starbucks on US Soil
Luckin Coffee, a fast-growing Chinese coffee chain, has entered the U.S. market, challenging Starbucks head-on with its first two stores in New York City.
Started in 2017, Luckin now has over 24,000 stores worldwide, beating out Starbucks in China with 22,000 spots. This bold move into NYC on June 30, 2025, signals Luckin’s ambition to compete with the U.S. coffee giant on its home turf.
The company’s journey has been remarkable, overcoming a major accounting fraud scandal in 2019 that led to a $180 million fine. Despite this, Luckin doubled its stores in 2023, boosting revenue by 87%, and now aims to bring its success to American coffee drinkers. With competitive pricing and a strong app user base of over 120 million, Luckin’s debut is a game-changer worth watching.
Readers will find key details here about Luckin’s growth, its rivalry with Starbucks, and what this means for the U.S. coffee scene.
Luckin’s Rise to Global Prominence
Luckin Coffee started small in 2017 but grew fast. Today, it operates over 24,000 stores across China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. In China alone, it has 22,000 locations, surpassing Starbucks’ count there in 2023.
Revenue tells a similar story of success. Last quarter, Luckin earned $1.2 million, up 41% from the previous year. This growth highlights its ability to attract customers. Founded in 2017, Luckin now boasts over 24,000 stores worldwide, outpacing Starbucks in China with 22,000 locations. expand, even after setbacks.
Overcoming the Accounting Fraud Scandal
Luckin faced a tough moment in 2019 when it admitted to faking earnings. This led to its delisting from Nasdaq and a hefty $180 million fine from the SEC. Many thought this would end the company, but it bounced back strong.
In 2023, Luckin doubled its store count and saw revenue jump by 87%. This recovery shows its determination to move past mistakes. The company’s focus on growth has kept it thriving.
Luckin Enters the U.S. Market
On Monday, June 30, 2025, Luckin kicked off its U.S. adventure with 2 new stores in New York City at 755 Broadway and 800 6th Avenue. These spots mark its first step into America, directly challenging Starbucks. The locations are prime, aiming to draw in curious coffee fans.
Luckin’s U.S. menu mirrors Starbucks in pricing. A 16-ounce drip coffee costs $3.45 at Luckin, compared to Starbucks’ $3.65. An iced matcha is $6.45 at Luckin versus $6.25 at Starbucks.
How Luckin Stacks Up Against Starbucks
Here’s a quick look at how the two coffee giants compare:
- Store Count: Luckin’s has over 24,000 stores worldwide, while Starbucks has 17,000 in the U.S.
- China Presence: Luckin’s dominates China with 22,000 stores, more than Starbucks has there.
- Pricing: In China, Luckin’s drinks are about 30% cheaper than Starbucks’, but in the U.S., their prices are pretty similar.
- App Users: Luckin’s app has a huge 120 million users, way more than Starbucks’ 34 million.
This table sums it up:
Why NYC Matters for Luckin
New York City is a big stage for any brand. Luckin chose 755 Broadway and 800 6th Ave to make a splash. These busy spots give it a chance to win over a diverse crowd.
This move puts Luckin to the test to see if it can take on Starbucks in its home turf. With 17,000 U.S. stores, Starbucks has a huge lead. But Luckin’s experience beating Starbucks in China could help it here.
What Luckin Brings to the Table
Luckin’s strength lies in its app, with 120 million registered users. This tech edge helps it connect with customers fast. Starbucks has 34 million reward members, a solid number but far behind Luckin.
Pricing also sets Luckin apart. In China, its drinks are 30% cheaper than Starbucks’. In the U.S., prices align, but Luckin might adjust to pull in budget-conscious drinkers.
Challenges Ahead for Luckin
Entering the U.S. won’t be easy. Starbucks dominates with 17,000 stores and a loyal fan base. Luckin must prove its coffee and service can match up.
The 2019 scandal might linger in some minds, too. Building trust with American customers will take time. Still, Luckin’s growth shows it can handle tough situations.
Opportunities for Growth
Luckin has room to shine in the U.S. Its success in China, where it beat Starbucks, offers lessons. The company could focus on tech and value to stand out.
Coffee drinkers might welcome more options. If Luckin keeps prices fair and quality high, it could carve out a space. NYC is just the start of this journey.
Final Thoughts
Luckin Coffee’s launch in NYC is a gutsy move, taking on Starbucks in its own backyard. With 24,000 stores worldwide and a comeback from scandal, Luckin has momentum. This move could shake up the U.S. coffee market, giving consumers more choices.