Starbucks in Perth: First WA store in Piara Waters attracts a huge queue

If there was any debate over Perth’s collective coffee addiction, it was put to rest on Thursday morning when the city’s only Starbucks opened its doors in Piara Waters.

With cars lining the drive-thru from as early as 4.30am — and blocking traffic in the area — the southern suburbs neighbourhood was abuzz with thirsty commuters who had made the journey from as far as Rockingham in pursuit of their caffeine hit.

With coffee drinkers, and furry friends in line, everyone and their dog was out to visit WA’s first Starbucks store.

Incumbent Starbucks Australia CEO Chris Garlick, who is moving on from the global coffee giant in November, said the chain had been building a strong brand on the east coast since 2014, but had been “keeping an eye on Western Australia for a long time”.

Mr Garlick said each time they’d announced new milestones online, the noise from out west was impossible to ignore, as cries of “Come to Perth” became deafening.

“We’ve seen strong results before, but so far, this might be our best,” Mr Garlick said.

But it’s not just takeaway blends that customers have sought, with requests for another merchandise order ahead of day two something the team hadn’t planned for.

Dianella’s Candice Adams used her day-off from work to be with her daughter in search of Starbucks paraphernalia.

“We’re really here for the cups rather than the flat whites or the frappaccinos,” Ms Adams said.

Canning Vale local Mel had recently returned from Bali, and braved the lengthy drive-thru queue to “recreate that experience” on a balmy Perth morning.

Friends Casey, Britney and Kim travelled 15 minutes from Byford, who did their best to conquer the extensive drinks list.

Kim was on a mission to compare the quality to that of a competitor in her area.

“This wins. It’s so good. It’s so much better!” she said, who rated her salted caramel shake and mango java chip frappe a combined 9.5 out of 10.

Casey’s salted caramel cold brew and dragonfruit mango lemonade scored a 9.8, while Britney’s iced shaken raspberry blackcurrant and ultra caramel Frappuccino was rated a 9 out of 10.

A second store in Clarkson will open in a few weeks, with Murdoch to follow before Christmas.

By the end of 2025, Starbucks hopes to caffeinate all corners of the city with a total of 11 venues slated.