There’s a new bustle outside Nelspruit’s I’Langa Mall. It’s an energy, a connection, and an excitement – and it’s all centred around the Starbucks store, where queues still spill out through the doorway, despite the store having been open for more than a month.
It all goes to show that the Nelspruit community was ready for a new experience that brought warmth, energy, and connection to their daily lives. And the fact that this comes from a brand known the world over to serve coffee with heart – and with a smile – makes it even more special.
Jacques van den Berg, National Operations Manager, Rand Capital Coffee Licensee Starbucks SA, says that the heartfelt reception Starbucks has received in Nelspruit shows that the community was ready for the brand.
But Starbucks was just as excited to set down roots in its very first location in Mpumalanga. It’s not just about bringing great coffee to this beautiful corner of South Africa and giving residents here a chance to enjoy a world class experience. It also means that the thousands of people who travel through it on their way to attractions like the Kruger National, Mozambique and Eswatini. And for those going to, or coming from, the Mbombela Stadium, there’s nothing like a Starbucks brew to end the event.
Starbucks chose I’langa Mall as the perfect location for its first Mpumalanga store, because it has a vibrant energy which perfectly matches the brand. It’s also visited by hundreds of Nelspruit residents every day, and Starbucks is thrilled to give each of them a spot to take a pause from a busy day, catch up with friends, or find a quiet place to focus on deadlines. Don’t be surprised to find yourself lingering a little longer – spilling over into the outdoors, Starbucks naturally invites you to soak up the sun in an atmosphere where you feel right at home.
The store’s Partners – as Starbucks’ baristas are known – go a long way to fostering that feeling. Each has been handpicked to join the Nelspruit team; chosen not only for their skill, but also for knack of making each customer feel seen and heard. They’re the heartbeat of the new store, taking genuine pride in every single handcrafted drink, they hand over to their customers.
Jeanett Motshoene, who heads the team, agrees that they are an important part of the Starbucks experience. Jeanett has been a part of the Starbucks family for four years; now, as store manager at I’langa Mall, she is thrilled to be able to build the Nelspruit community.
“We’re so happy to be bringing this much-loved brand to people who enjoy trying something new and different. We hope they taste that in every sip – and we want every sip to feel like something new and, yet, instantly like home,” Jeanett says.
