(Durban) – The countdown has begun for coffee lovers on the East Coast!

On the big day, spot the Starbucks branded bikers as they create a parade up from the beachfront promenade to Starbucks Florida Road. Seen gearing up for the big day are Sane Nzuza, Siyanda Makatini, Thandanani Nxumalo, Carrington Lowe and Ziyaad Jaffar.

Durban is the third city (after Johannesburg and Pretoria) to welcome Starbucks to sunny SA with the grand opening of the first store on Saturday, November 25 in Florida Road.

Clive Liversage, Managing Executive for Starbucks in South Africa, says that one icon deserves another. That’s why the global coffee brand has picked out a stunning old house in one of Durban’s most popular cultural and entertainment precincts.

The grand old lady at 233 Florida Road is currently undergoing a facelift and looking forward to her big day. The new décor will mix local crafts with Victorian influences and include repurposed wooden floors and an exquisite marble bar.

Durbanites can look forward to connecting over a cup of 100% Arabica coffee, a delicious food menu, and free uncapped Wi-fi. The store will offer a richer payment experience through the Starbucks Rewards app and customers can pay with their phone and earn rewards at the same time.

This store will also feature a full Starbucks Reserve bar. The Reserve bar serves rare, small-lot coffees that are sourced from around the world and brewed through a variety of brewing methods. For those who prefer to cooldown the Durban heat, there is also a refreshing range of cooler drinks including Frappuccinos and Teavana shaken iced teas.

Expect plenty of fun with buskers, Starbucks branded yoga demonstrations by the Beat Room dance studio and more.

A second store will open early December located in the Gateway theatre of shopping; this will stretch the Starbucks experience to the (second) coolest neighbourhood beside the Indian Ocean.

Visit Starbucks Florida Road from 6:30am till 9pm from Saturday, November 25. For more info go to #STARBUCKSXDURBAN