Starbucks To Open 475 More Outlets

Starbucks, the Seattle specialty coffee chain, says it expects to open 225 new stores this fiscal year and 250 new stores in fiscal 1996.

The previous target was 200 new stores each year.

“This acceleration is made possible by the continued strengthening of our real estate capabilities coupled with our ongoing commitment to invest in our infrastructure ahead of our growth,” Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman and CEO, said Monday.

The company said it would open new markets in Pittsburgh and San Antonio. Pittsburgh and the previously announced markets of Philadelphia and Las Vegas will open during the second fiscal quarter of 1995. San Antonio will open during the third quarter of this fiscal year and at least two additional major markets will open in fiscal 1996, Starbucks said.

The company currently has 503 retail stores.