The New York-based premium coffee chain has opened 24 stores in London since June 2022 and plans to introduce its Regulars in-store beverage subscription to the UK
Blank Street plans to exceed 30 UK sites in 2024 | Photo credit: Rebecca Lyons
US coffee chain Blank Street is on track to achieve profitability in the UK next year, according to its UK Managing Director Ignacio Llado.
The premium coffee chain opened its first UK store in London in June 2022 and now operates 24 outlets across the capital. Blank Street plans to exceed 30 UK sites in 2024.
The brand’s success in the UK, currently its only international market, is primarily due to a cheaper price point compared to its competitors, Llado told City AM.
Adopting a similar expansion strategy to the US, where it operates more than 50 outlets across New York, Boston and Washington DC, the majority of Blank Street’s UK estate comprises smaller-format stores with a focus on commuter, on-the-go trade.
By operating smaller sites, usually between 300-600sq ft, Blank Street aims to streamline costs and pass those savings to customers. A flat white or cappuccino at Blank Street is typically £0.20 ($0.24) cheaper than leading coffee chains in the UK, Llado highlighted.
Llado also said Blank Street is also planning to introduce its Regulars coffee subscription to the UK.
The loyalty scheme has two tiers, priced at $8.99 and $17.99 per week, offering customers up to 14 beverages per week. The higher-priced plan includes non-espresso beverages, such as Matcha and Chai, dairy-free alternatives and 20% off food, merchandise and retail packaged coffee.
In March 2023, Blank Street closed a $20m investment round to scale its coffee subscription and boost the range of food and beverages across its US stores. The coffee chain previously raised $67m in 2021, which propelled rapid outlet expansion in New York.