Starbucks will test express cafes to speed customers through lines

Want your coffee quicker? Starbucks is experimenting with an express store format that speeds customers through its lines.

Starbucks said Friday that it is investing in smaller stores with limited offerings. The first test store will open in New York City next year.

Starbucks already operates drive-through coffee stores that it says account for higher-than-average sales growth at its other locations.

“There is significant opportunity to meet commuting customers in smaller experiences,” the company said in a statement.

“The evolution of our store experience is a direct reflection of how our customers are interested in both accessibility to the brand as well as speed and convenience,” said Cliff Burrows, group president, U.S., Americas and Teavana.

The new express format will be able to handle mobile ordering to help speed sales.

Starbucks expects to open 1,600 new stores next year, more than the 1,550 this year.