Overview

• Luckin now operates five New York City locations that require orders through its mobile app and have no cashiers.
• The chain leans on aggressive promotions, including frequent 30%–50% app coupons and a 99‑cent first drink offer to build awareness.
• Bernstein research says initial U.S. stores are running at a loss and argues current pricing and volumes are unlikely to be sustainable.
• Starbucks emphasizes in‑store experience and profitability per visit, with CEO Brian Niccol praising Luckin’s rapid flavor innovation but rejecting an app‑only model.
• Luckin remains China’s largest coffee chain with 26,000+ stores and OTC‑traded shares, yet its plans beyond New York in the U.S. are still unclear.