Luckin’ Out With a Morning Joe App

Bloomberg had a story this week about Starbucks seeking to establish a technology base–perhaps outside the U.S.–where it could build out an internal team to (presumably) digitize more of the beverage-cafe business. It’s already doing that–while also following its new CEO’s mantra of re-personalizing the customer experience–but according to the article has wearied of paying outside contractors to provide such support. All of which is to say that any sustainable mocha model is going to need tech. I have seen one future of that with a visit this morning to one of the new Manhattan outlets of Luckin Coffee, China’s answer to Starbucks. All purchases, including my Coconut Latte, have to come from an app or online, which for an oldster like me meant a couple of minutes to set things up. After that, and with impressive automation, the drink appeared silently at the counter with my numbered receipt in less time than that. No need for chatter or pay swipes (or tips). I sat at one of the few bench seats and watched a few regulars pop in the door and round their orders right up, a staffer’s wish to “have a nice day!” following them out to Third Ave. Yet it was a modest morning rush–one of the three baristas told me business has been slow since this month’s opening, though it picks up at lunch. Apparently in the AM, rushing New Yorkers aren’t so geared to let their phones “call ahead”–in fact, some beef about it and walk out, I was told. This time, at least, I was more intentional and was rewarded with a good cuppa, and at the introductory app price of $1.99. (Ideally “Luckin Coffee U.S.” does not now link my mobile to the Chinese state tracking apparatus.) Luckin is far from the only coffee house streamlining its transactions now, but it is an acknowledged global pioneer at it. There was, however, one missing Starbucks element: no customer toilet. But have a nice day! –Apr. 23, 2026

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-23/starbucks-hunts-for-another-tech-office-including-abroad