Business, Finance & Tech

China’s Luckin Coffee Opens First U.S. Stores in New York City, Taking on Starbucks

China’s largest coffee chain has officially entered the U.S. market. Luckin Coffee opened its first two American locations today in New York City, marking the start of its expansion beyond Asia.

Founded in 2017, Luckin has built a massive footprint with over 22,000 stores in China, primarily offering takeout service through digital ordering and cashless payments. The chain is known for affordable pricing—its drinks typically cost 30% less than Starbucks—and a menu that includes hot and cold coffee, fruit-enhanced beverages, and fresh pastries.

Luckin made headlines two years ago when it surpassed Starbucks in revenue in China, becoming the country’s top-selling coffee chain. The brand’s tech-driven model and competitive pricing have helped fuel its rapid growth.

Now, with a foothold in New York City, Luckin Coffee is setting its sights on America’s crowded coffee scene. Industry watchers will be keeping an eye on whether its value-focused, app-based approach can win over U.S. consumers.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.

By: NBC Palm Springs

June 30, 2025

Luckin Coffee US launchLuckin Coffee New YorkChina coffee chainLuckin vs Starbucksaffordable coffee NYCinternational business expansioncashless coffee shopsLuckin Coffee prices
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
7

Engineering students craft a robot that takes down a 4x4 Rubik's Cube in less than 10-seconds.

9

Watch a gargantuan, 5.7-mile-long train nab a world record as it disappears over the horizon!

12

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do yoga?

242

When we took a closer look at the Desert Recreation District, the numbers and details just didn’t line up. What are your thoughts on this? Drop your take in the comments👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #desertrecreationdistrict #nbcpalmsprings

12

Your face may reveal more than you think. Researchers developed AI that analyzes facial photos for clues about biological age and cancer survival. Potentially a future tool to help doctors? 🥼

29

Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Giveaway: 3-4 minutes of air time on Talking with Thalia!

26

🧛‍♂️ The Count is in the Coachella Valley! Kevin Mann is back with a new Mann on the Aisle review teaser, taking a bite out of Dracula at Revolution Stage Company! 🩸🎭 Will this production leave him spellbound or thirsty for more? Stay tuned for the full review! #MannOnTheAisle #Dracula #RevolutionStageCompany #TheatreReview #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings

39

Independent journalists and political operatives are churning out viral clips from the 2026 campaign trail. Sometimes, these clips are sorely out of context, yet they’re driving the midterms conversation. CNN’s Marshall Cohen dives into this phenomenon and speaks with a prominent clipper about the industry.

23

☕️ Social Time with Thal & Jerry. Do you celebrate your birthday anymore?

41

A highly anticipated hearing in the People vs. William Rodriguez case was postponed for a second time today after the prosecution used a legal move to request a new judge for the hearing. Today a judge was expected to rule whether or not to dismiss Rodriguez’s murder charge after he struck and killed 60 year old Christina Barrington in Cathedral City. Tune in to our 5,6 and 11 p.m newscasts as our @newsbyalondra has all the latest details.

China’s Luckin Coffee Opens First U.S. Stores in New York City, Taking on Starbucks