Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery celebrated its eighth anniversary on Dec 5, and it has grown into one of the city's most popular coffee destinations.

Since opening, the roastery has welcomed nearly 18 million visitors from around the world. It now sees more than 5,200 guests a day on average, with peak days topping 10,000. Known as a "city living room", it has become a must-see stop for tourists and coffee lovers.

Behind these impressive numbers are the people whose skill and dedication make every cup special. Before joining Starbucks, Huntery was a senior bartender and bar supervisor at a four-star hotel. Drawn to coffee, he joined Starbucks in 2005 and worked his way up to store manager. Over time, he developed a deep interest in roasting. In 2016, he became one of Starbucks China's first professional roasters and completed nine months of training in Seattle.

For eight years, Huntery has honed his craft. He said his goal each day is to bring out the best in every batch and make sure every guest enjoys their cup.

Excellence at the roastery goes beyond one person. All partners meticulously perfect every detail, from roasting to brewing to presentation, ensuring each visitor experiences something unique. This commitment to craft and passion has kept guests coming back year after year.

Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery also invests in community initiatives. Its partners have helped children with autism learn coffee-making skills, including hand-brewing and French press techniques. Over time, these young participants have gained confidence and mastery. Astro, one of the roastery's earliest partners and a longtime volunteer, says, "Children with autism are often misunderstood. We want every child to be seen, to connect, and to grow."

The graduation ceremony of this program has become a highlight of the annual anniversary celebration, blending festivity with meaningful human connection.

If you go

Address: Rooms N110-N201, HKRI Taikoo Hui, No 789 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district

Hours: Daily from 8 am to 11 pm

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center at "jaxwzx"