WASHINGTON — Luckin Coffee, the rapidly expanding Chinese coffee chain that overtook Starbucks in its domestic market, is now entering the U.S. with two new outlets. 

The chain officially unveiled two Manhattan stores on Monday, publicizing the openings on social media through promotional events that included free tote bags and discounts for early patrons. 

Luckin Coffee teased the arrival of the New York City stores in mid-June on social media. 

“Drip level: International. The rumors are true, NYC. You’re luckin now,” the coffee chain said on Instagram.

This marks Luckin’s initial foray into the American market. Established in 2017, Luckin Coffee boasts over 22,000 locations across China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, appealing to younger customers with primarily takeout services and a “100% cashier-less environment.”

Luckin’s menu includes traditional coffee offerings alongside signature items, such as “fruity americanos” that blend espresso with fruit flavors. The chain also offers pastries and breakfast items, including a banana yogurt loaf, a chocolate chip cookie, and a sausage, egg and cheese croissant. 

According to CNN, the company’s beverages in China are 30% cheaper than Starbucks drinks in the country. The outlet reported Luckin’s revenue surpassed Starbucks in China for the first time in 2023, a market that the Seattle-based chain had struggled to dominate. 

Luckin Coffee describes itself as “making full use of the new retail model of mobile Internet and big data technology and cooperating deeply with high-quality suppliers in various fields to create high-quality consumer experience and create lucky moments for customers.”

• 755 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
• 800 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001