
What is Lucking Coffee? Chinese Starbucks competitor opens first stores in THIS US state, offers affordable beverages
Starbucks faces intense competition in China, its second-largest market after the United States, where consumers are becoming more frugal with their spending. Domestic competitors like Luckin Coffee, which draws clients with cashierless locations and cups as cheap as 8.8 to 9.9 yuan ($1.23 to $1.38), pose serious threats to Starbucks.
Currently, Luckin Coffee is flourishing in the United States, launching two stores in Manhattan, New York City.
According to the brand's Instagram page, the company offered complimentary tote bags to the first 100 clients as part of special promotions to commemorate the launch of the stores on Monday.
While Luckin Coffee's U.S. opening day is over, New Yorkers can still look forward to a unique treat at the two locations: drinks that cost $1.99. A person can download and order drinks through the Luckin Coffee app in order to take advantage of the offer on the first beverage order.
Like Starbucks, Luckin Coffee serves a variety of beverages in addition to hot or iced coffee, such as frappes, matcha, specialty lattes, and refreshers. The company also sells cold brew in a variety of flavors, including pineapple, blood orange, coconut, and raspberry.
Also Read: McDonald's expands menu with new burger to its menu; What it is, price and where you can get What is Lucking Coffee?
With more than 22,000 outlets since its establishment in 2017, Luckin Coffee has emerged as one of China's fastest-growing coffee businesses. Singapore is home to its stores as well.
The chain's mobile app allows its locations in China to function without cashiers, enabling customers to order their drinks by paying online. This isn't the case with the new Manhattan outlets, though, as cashless establishments aren't allowed in NYC till 2020.
According to Luckin, their coffee beans are sourced directly from the best coffee-producing locations, and the coffee is chosen from over 180 blending formulas that closely fit consumer preferences.
Starbucks participated in the most recent battle in China over low rates for coffee earlier this month. The company announced that it would make dozens of its products, including non-coffee drinks like the Frappuccino, more "accessible" in a post on its Weixin social media account. Prices for some drinks will start at just 23 yuan ($3.21). Starbucks alters menu for the summer
Starbucks recently revealed some modifications to its summer menu in the United States. The Strawberry Matcha, Brown Sugar, and Salted Caramel Mocha are new frappuccinos that will be available in stores in July, with a layer of cold foam on top.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
US proposes new drone rules that could lead to Starbucks, Amazon deliveries
The US Transportation Department is proposing new rules to speed deployment of drones beyond the visual line of sight of operators, a key change needed to advance commercial uses like package deliveries. 'We are going to unleash American drone dominance,' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a press conference on Tuesday. Under current rules, operators need to get individual waivers or exemptions to use drones without visual line of sight. The department said eliminating those requirements 'will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products including lifesaving medications.' The proposal includes new requirements for manufacturers, operators, and drone traffic-management services to keep drones safely separated from other drones and airplanes. 'It's going to change the way that people and products move throughout our airspace… so you may change the way you get your Amazon package, you may get a Starbucks cup of coffee from a drone,' Duffy said. 'Industry needs this rule to make sure they can use this technology that's going to allow them to do business more efficiently and effectively.' Amazon resumed testing drone deliveries earlier this year at two locations in Texas and Arizona. Amazon has a goal of delivering 500 million packages annually by drone by the end of 2030. Under the proposal, operations would occur at or below 400 feet above ground from pre-designated locations approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Operators would identify boundaries and approximate daily flights and takeoff, landing and loading areas and ensure procedures if communications with drones are lost. Drones would yield to all manned aircraft broadcasting their position and not interfere with operations at airports. The Transportation Security Administration would require flight coordinators and others to obtain security threat assessments and a fingerprint-based criminal history records check. Lawmakers and many state officials have raised concerns about drones being used to target high-profile US events like the FIFA World Cup. Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International CEO Michael Robbins praised the risk-based proposal as 'a critical step toward enabling drone operations that will enhance safety, transform commercial services, and strengthen public safety with drones as a force multiplier.


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Blade and Joby stocks soar after $125 million rideshare deal — is this the future of flying taxis?
Joby Blade's $125 million deal: Blade Air Mobility and Joby Aviation stocks saw a surge after a 125 million dollar deal. Joby will acquire Blade's helicopter passenger rideshare business. Blade's medical transport unit will become Strata Critical Medical. Rob Wiesenthal will continue to lead Blade's passenger operations. Joby aims to start commercial eVTOL flights as early as 2026. FILE PHOTO: An electric air taxi by Joby Aviation flies near the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 12, 2023. REUTERS/Roselle Chen/File Photo Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Joby Stock and Blade Stock Surge After $125 Million Deal to Reshape Urban Air Travel Blade's Medical Transport Arm to Spin Off Into New Public Company Blade Has Been Struggling Financially Despite Growth Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Joby Gains Infrastructure as It Prepares for Commercial eVTOL Flights FAQs In a bold move signalling the accelerating race toward airborne urban transport, Blade Air Mobility and Joby Aviation saw their stocks surge Monday morning after announcing a $125 million deal that could reshape the future of city travel, as per a stock jumped nearly 30%, while Joby rose over 5%, after revealing that Joby will acquire Blade's helicopter passenger rideshare business, which currently whisks busy New Yorkers to destinations like the Hamptons or nearby airports with speed and convenience, as reported by Yahoo agreement excludes Blade's medical transport unit, which will be spun off into a new public company called Strata Critical Medical, according to the Yahoo Finance READ: Tesla in turmoil? Elon Musk admits he could be ousted, slams claims of loan ties to stock Blade will now become a wholly owned subsidiary of Joby, with Blade founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal continuing to lead its passenger transport operations, as reported by Yahoo move comes at a time when Blade, despite flying over 50,000 passengers in 2024 across 12 terminals, has struggled to achieve profitability since its public market debut via SPAC in 2021, according to the report. Prior to today's rally, Blade shares were down 11% year to date and down about 60% from its peak, as reported by Yahoo READ: Steelcase stock skyrockets after $2.2 billion HNI buyout — what it means for investors More than just a strategic acquisition, the deal marks a clear sign of where urban mobility is headed. Joby Aviation, a $14.4 billion firm backed by Toyota, is pioneering electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) that could one day become the backbone of flying taxi services, as per the Joby, the acquisition adds real-world infrastructure and experience to its ambitious timeline. The company is working toward FAA certification and plans to have five aircraft in the final phases of approval by 2026. It aims to begin commercial battery-powered electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft eVTOL flights as soon as next year, according to the aims to begin commercial eVTOL service as early as 2026, pending FAA certification, as per Yahoo Finance founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal will continue to lead its passenger operations.


Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Video Conferencing Giant-Killer Delivers Full Enterprise Suite for Price of Single Coffee
India PR Distribution Des Moines (Iowa) [US], August 4: AONMeetings, the browser-based video conferencing platform that has revolutionized industry pricing, continues to deliver professional video conferencing and webinar capabilities for just $3.99 per month - less than the cost of a single coffee shop visit. The platform's standard pricing includes unlimited webinars, HD video conferencing, screen sharing, recording, and HIPAA-compliant security for what most Americans spend on their morning latte. "We've proven that professional video conferencing doesn't need to cost more than your daily coffee," said Dwight Reed, founder of AONMeetings. "At $3.99 per month, we're not just competing with expensive platforms - we're showing the entire industry what fair pricing looks like." The Reality Check Small Businesses Need While industry giants continue charging $14.99-$19.99 monthly plus additional fees for webinar capabilities, AONMeetings' standard rate delivers everything a growing business needs for the price of a single Starbucks visit. "I was honestly embarrassed when I calculated what I was spending on video conferencing versus coffee," said Jennifer Chen, a financial advisor who switched to AONMeetings. "This pricing makes so much sense that I wonder why I ever thought $20 a month was reasonable for basic meeting software." The math is striking: At $3.99 monthly, businesses pay just $47.88 annually for professional video conferencing - while the average American spends $2,008 per year on coffee, a 4,100% difference. Full Professional Suite at Revolutionary Pricing AONMeetings' standard pricing includes enterprise-grade features that competitors charge premium prices for: - HD video and audio quality powered by WebRTC technology - Unlimited webinars with registration (competitors charge $79/month extra) - 25-250 participants depending on plan tier - No software downloads - runs entirely in web browsers - HIPAA-compliant security for healthcare applications - Screen sharing, recording, and live polling - Custom branding and live streaming on higher tiers - Unlimited meeting time with no restrictions "We've proven that professional doesn't have to mean expensive," explained Dwight Reed. "Our pricing removes every excuse for using consumer platforms for business meetings." Democratizing Professional Communication Industry research shows 73% of small businesses still rely on consumer platforms like FaceTime or WhatsApp for client meetings, primarily due to cost barriers with professional solutions. AONMeetings' accessible pricing directly addresses this gap. "A freelance consultant working from home deserves the same professional presentation tools as a Fortune 500 company," said Dwight Reed. "Our pricing ensures that financial constraints never compromise professional image." The platform addresses growing business recognition that professional video conferencing directly impacts client perception and business growth, with 89% of prospects forming opinions about company credibility based on meeting platform quality. The Coffee Reality Check AONMeetings continues to challenge businesses to reconsider what they're willing to spend on professional tools versus daily conveniences. "We're asking businesses to think differently about value," said Dwight Reed. "Skip one coffee purchase per month and invest in professional growth instead. When you frame it that way, the decision becomes obvious." About AONMeetings Founded in 2020, AONMeetings is a browser-based video conferencing platform designed to make professional communication accessible to businesses of all sizes. The platform serves healthcare, education, legal, and corporate clients with enterprise-grade security and features at consumer-friendly pricing. The platform requires no software downloads and works seamlessly across all devices using standard web browsers. All plans include unlimited meeting time, webinar capabilities, and professional features typically reserved for expensive enterprise solutions. For more information about AONMeetings, visit or contact: Media Contact: Joanna Hawthorne Phone: 1877-350-3050 High-resolution images, platform screenshots, and executive interviews available upon request. Note to editors: Dwight Reed is available for interviews about industry pricing trends, small business technology adoption, and making professional tools accessible to businesses of all sizes. Pricing comparison data and customer success stories available upon request.