5 Grocery Chains That Also Have Coffee Bars

Albertsons / Safeway / Vons

In 1999, Starbucks revealed plans to open its inaugural coffee bar within an Albertsons store. The first location was established in Boise, Idaho, the birthplace of the mega-chain, and the company quickly expanded into Southern California and other states. These coffee bars often consist of narrow counters or kiosks, though many also include seating areas. Some even have separate entrances in addition to the store entrances, creating the impression of being independent establishments.

When Albertsons acquired Safeway and Vons in 2015, both chains already had existing partnerships with Starbucks that began in 2004, and their setups are quite similar. According to one report, by 2022, approximately 899 out of Safeway's 921 locations featured a Starbucks, and most Albertsons and all Vons locations do as well. Not only can customers enjoy their grande lattes and birthday cake pops, but a notable benefit of purchasing coffee at a Safeway is the opportunity to earn double loyalty points. This means you can accumulate rewards for both the Starbucks app and the Safeway for U rewards program. Similar benefits are also available at Albertsons and Vons.

Whole Foods Market

The WFM Coffee Bars are a vital component of the Whole Foods shopping experience for many customers. The enthusiasm that shoppers have for the hot food section and Whole Foods' prepared items, such as Abe's Chocolate Brownies, extends to the coffee bar as well. Unlike many coffee shops found in stores, WFM Coffee Bars are bright and spacious, often featuring distinctive designs and aesthetics. Some locations even offer beer and wine or boast an ice rink on the roof, like the well-known Austin store. (It's one of those hidden gems about Whole Foods that you wish you had discovered earlier.)

However, your main focus is the coffee, and Whole Foods WFM does not disappoint, especially with its seasonal selections. Similar to other coffee chains, the WFM Coffee Bars serve pumpkin spice lattes to eager customers every fall. This past April, the chain brought back its brown butter cookie latte, which gained popularity in 2023 (with at least one Instagram user advocating for it to be available year-round). You might also want to try a date cardamom latte during the fall and winter months. It's important to note that some WFM locations altered their formats after the COVID-19 pandemic; some ceased alcohol service, and at least one Whole Foods in Bellevue, Washington, completely closed its coffee bar. Additionally, certain stores feature regional concepts, such as Cafe Grumpy at the West 33rd Street location in Manhattan or the French Truck inside a Whole Foods in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.

Harris Teeter / Fred Meyer / Ralph's

Harris Teeter is a grocery chain based in North Carolina, operating 262 locations across eight states. The stores are spacious, well-lit, and thoughtfully designed. Many locations feature a Starbucks counter right at the entrance.

As stated on the company website, "several" stores include Starbucks kiosks, although the exact number is not specified. Customers can enjoy a variety of core sandwiches, beverages, and treats, including the seasonal Starbucks red cups. While most stores lack dedicated seating areas, grocery carts come with cupholders for added convenience while shopping.

Harris Teeter is a subsidiary of Kroger, which also owns Fred Meyer and Ralph's, both of which typically feature Starbucks kiosks. Notably, Ralph's was among the first to introduce in-store Starbucks coffee bars back in 1999, similar to Albertsons. The appeal of Harris Teeter lies in its clean, bright, and upscale atmosphere, which extends to the coffee bars as well. For those seeking more than just caffeine, at least eight locations offer full beer and wine bars, including the Brier Creek store near Raleigh, North Carolina.

Publix

If you've traveled through the Southeast, chances are you've encountered a Publix. If you're fortunate enough to visit one of the newer locations, you might notice Pours, the chain's stylish in-store bar and coffee shop. These sleek, modern spaces offer local coffees, as well as a selection of beers, wines, and kombucha on tap. With a large screen TV and ample seating, they invite you to relax and stay awhile.

Currently, only a small fraction of the company's 1,390 stores feature a Pours station, but the company is eager to grow this concept. The first Pours opened in 2018 in Tallahassee, with additional locations popping up in places like Naples and West Palm Beach. The latest Publix, which recently opened in Louisville (the company's first in Kentucky), naturally includes a Pours.

If your local Publix hasn't introduced a Pours yet, you might find a Publix Cafe adjacent to the bakery. There, you can enjoy premium coffees, teas, and fruit beverages, along with a selection of pastries. Approximately 130 locations are expected to feature Cafes, showcasing brews from the Florida-based roaster Kahwa Coffee.

While Pours provides dedicated seating in a friendly atmosphere, customers are also welcome to take their coffee, beer, or wine with them while they shop (unlike Harris Teeter, which prefers you to keep your drinks at the bar). These thoughtful details, along with a commitment to customer service, are part of what makes Publix a beloved grocery store in the South.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market, the newest grocery chain to embrace the coffee trend, is thoughtfully introducing various coffee bar concepts across its 443 locations in 24 states. Known for its focus on organic and specialty products, the chain launched several Press Coffee bars in seven locations within the Phoenix metro area in late 2023 and early 2024. These coffee bars feature light wood exteriors, dedicated seating areas, and a variety of specialty beverages, designed for both work and casual enjoyment. Press is a local coffee brand with kiosks in entertainment venues and shopping centers throughout the Phoenix region, where Sprouts Farmers Market is headquartered.

Additionally, the chain has recently opened five Klatch Coffee locations in its Southern California stores. Klatch is a family-owned roasting and retail business that has been serving coffee in California since 1993. These in-store cafes are designed as adjacent spaces with access from the grocery store as well as separate entrances. They provide dedicated seating and online ordering options. Customers can enjoy a selection of cold brews, breakfast items, and a variety of treats, including the macadamia cookie latte, which is available year-round, unlike the seasonal Starbucks version.