Chinese Coffee Chains Expand Rapidly in New York Amid Starbucks Closures

Luckin, Cotti, and Mixue offer quick service, low prices, and unique flavors to win over NYC caffeine lovers

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As Starbucks shutters dozens of locations across New York City, a new wave of Chinese coffee chains like Luckin, Cotti, and Mixue are rapidly expanding in the city. These chains are attracting customers with their minimalist formats, app-based ordering, and bargain prices - some drinks cost as little as $1.99. While the coffee quality may not match Starbucks, the convenience and affordability are winning over many New Yorkers dealing with inflation. The chains are also introducing unique fusion drinks and pastries to cater to local tastes.

Why it matters

The rise of these Chinese coffee chains in New York highlights the changing coffee landscape in the city. As Starbucks retreats, these new players are filling the void with a different model focused on speed, technology, and lower prices. This shift reflects broader economic trends like inflation and changing consumer preferences, as well as the increasing globalization of the coffee industry.

The details

Luckin Coffee has rapidly expanded from 2 to 10 locations in New York in under a year, often taking over former Starbucks spots. Luckin's model of no seating and app-only ordering allows for lower overhead and prices, with some drinks costing just $1.99 for first-time users. Cotti Coffee, founded by former Luckin executives, also offers unique fusion drinks and collaborates with local pastry shops. Mixue, the world's largest fast-food chain, has opened 3 digital-only locations in NYC where customers order at kiosks, with all drinks under $5.

  • Luckin Coffee opened its first 2 New York stores in June 2025.
  • Luckin Coffee has now increased its NYC footprint to 10 locations.
  • Cotti Coffee made its U.S. debut in early 2024 in Hawaii before expanding to California and New York last year.
  • Mixue, the world's largest fast-food chain, has opened 3 locations in New York City.

The players

Luckin Coffee

A Chinese coffee chain that has rapidly expanded in New York, often taking over former Starbucks locations. Luckin's model of no seating and app-only ordering allows for lower overhead and prices.

Cotti Coffee

A Chinese coffee chain founded in 2022 by former Luckin executives, offering unique fusion drinks and collaborating with local pastry shops.

Mixue

The world's largest fast-food chain, with over 53,000 locations globally. Mixue has opened 3 digital-only coffee shops in New York City where customers order at kiosks, with all drinks under $5.

Starbucks

The Seattle-based coffee giant has shuttered 42 locations across New York City in recent months, part of a nationwide purge of 400 branches amid flatlining sales.

Peter Giuliano

A coffee expert who compared the Chinese coffee chains' focus on automation and quick service to the legendary automats of the 1960s and 1970s.

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What they’re saying

“Embracing automation and quick service is a way to keep prices low in a competitive market like New York.”

— Peter Giuliano, Coffee expert (The Post)

“Everything always tastes a little bit better when it's cheaper.”

— Alexa Speciale, Manhattan resident (The Post)

“There is a coffee shop culture in the city that I don't think will ever die. I also think there's a whole group of people that are afraid of the mobile order-only thing. But I do think that they're here to stay.”

— Alexa Speciale, Manhattan resident (The Post)

The takeaway

The rapid expansion of Chinese coffee chains in New York amid Starbucks' retreat highlights the changing dynamics of the city's coffee landscape. While the quality of the coffee may not match Starbucks, the convenience, affordability, and unique offerings of these new players are winning over many inflation-weary New Yorkers, signaling a potential shift in the city's long-standing coffee culture.