Photos Courtesy Swiss Travel Systems
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Starbucks have collaborated on a pilot project to launch the first ever Starbucks store on wheels.
SBB and Starbucks will open traveling Starbucks stores on two intercity (IC) 2000 bi-level trains between St. Gallen and Geneva, Switzerland; the project converts the current onboard restaurants into mini Starbucks stores small enough to fit inside double-decker trains.
Travelers can buy and sip their favorite beverages onboard and having the comfort of a familiar drink, while reading a favorite book, or gazing out the window at the Swiss scenery are sure to enhance travels even more. With this project, SBB plans to target young guests and business travelers looking for a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
SBB’s subsidiary, Elvetino, remains in charge of onboard restaurant operations. Elvetino operates 90 railway dining cars, 198 minibars and is in charge of onboard restaurant services of SBB trains throughout Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy.
Switzerland and Starbucks have a long history together: Starbucks opened the first store in continental Europe in Switzerland more than 10 years ago, and the coffee machines used by Starbucks were developed exclusively for Starbucks by Thermoplan, a manufacturing company located in Central Switzerland.
With the new Starbuck’s on-board train service, passengers will be able to stay alert to the inspiring Swiss landscape outside the window.
Compiled by Brittany Petrillo
For more info, go to: www.sbb.ch/en, or www.myswitzerland.com
European Traveler 