News

Starbucks testing grab-and-go lunch options in Chicago

April 11, 2017

Starbucks is testing grab-and-go lunch options this month in more than 100 stores in Chicago. Named Mercato, which means marketplace in Italian, the offering includes upscale sandwiches and sides featuring foods that meet a variety of dietary lifestyles from high protein to vegetarian and vegan, according to a company press release.

"A marketplace describes variety, and we wanted to create an experience for our customers that allows them to assemble a lunch that they will really enjoy," Starbucks Chef Jane Hernandez, said in a press release. "When developing the Mercato menu, we put quality, taste and freshness at the core of recipe development, with the goal to offer satisfying meals and snacks for our customers."

Starbucks has grown its food business by 1.5 times since 2013 and plans to double it by the year 2021. Building upon a strong breakfast business the next opportunity for growth is lunch with more than 50 percent of Starbucks customers coming in after 11 a.m., according to the release.

"We have heard from our customers that they are seeking food that meets their evolving dietary needs as well as their busy on-the-go lifestyle," Starbucks Senior Vice President of Food Sara Trilling, said in a company news release. "The launch of Mercato signifies Starbucks next step in building our food business through customer-driven innovation."

The menu varies by store location and includes:

• Za'atar Chicken & Lemon Tahini Salad: Herbed chicken with Za’atar spice, ancient grains, chunky cucumber tzatziki, marinated carrots, chopped romaine and lemon tahini dressing.
• Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad: Chopped parsley, mint, cucumber, tomato and riced cauliflower with fresh lemon juice on arugula.
• Seared Steak & Mango Salad: Seared flank steak, minted mango, pickled onion, cucumbers, carrot slaw over rice noodles, and chopped peanuts served over romaine lettuce with red curry vinaigrette.
• Herbed Chicken & Fig Spread Sandwich: Herbed chicken breast with a flavorful fig spread and arugula, made complete with whole grain mustard ricotta on Ficelle bread.
• Smoked Pork Cubano Sandwich: Smoked pork loin, pulled pork, swiss cheese, jalapeno whole grain dijonaise, and dill pickle on flatbread.
• Crunchy Almond Butter, Strawberries & Jam Sandwich: Chunky almond butter, strawberry jam and strawberry slices on Bavarian wheat bread.