Staffing

Former Starbucks president joins Australian-inspired coffee chain

January 20, 2022

Bluestone Lane, an Australian-inspired specialty coffee roaster, cafe and lifestyle brand, has appointed Jim Alling to its board of directors. The former Starbucks president has served as COO of T-Mobile, was CEO of TOMS and is also a member of the board of directors at Carbon Health and MOD Pizza, according to a company press release.

"Jim is an incredible asset to our board with a track record of growing emerging brands into household names and successfully leading major companies into new channels," Nick Stone, founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, said in the press release. "Jim's coffee knowledge and expertise while as President of Starbucks will be invaluable."

Bluestone Lane is pursuing an omnichannel expansion strategy to penetrate retail, hospitality and mixed-use spaces, most recently announcing a marque partnership with Tempo by Hilton Hotels to lead its food and beverage program. As a member of the board, Alling will advise the leadership team as it optimizes the brand's operations for growth and profitability.

"Bluestone Lane is at the forefront of the next generation of foodservice and hospitality in the U.S. by focusing on the customer experience and emphasizing a fresh, premium menu that appeals to younger consumers," Alling said in the release. "I am excited to contribute to their expansion across the country and into new channels."

Bluestone Lane owns and operates over 55 coffee shops in the U.S., all of which are inspired by Australian independent food and beverage culture, according to the release.