How to Develop an App Like Starbucks?

Starbucks isn't your ordinary coffee shop to meet your daily caffeine demands. Among its consumers, the brand has cult status and is the most successful coffee brand worldwide. Nevertheless, Starbucks faces its own set of difficulties, prompting customers to seek out other options. As an example, Starbucks coffee doesn't seem to be a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. Starbucks does not offer customized coffee blends, local flavors, or artisanal options for coffee connoisseurs. Many cafes and restaurants have built apps like Starbucks to grow their business. 

Certain customers have raised significant concerns regarding the origin of our coffee. They believe that the brand should focus on the sustainability of its supply chain, provide assistance to local farmers, and promote environmentally friendly practices. These challenges present a substantial opportunity for coffeehouse brands to rise to the occasion. These challenges present coffeehouse companies with a valuable opportunity to progress.

As a restaurant owner, you have probably seen a time when every table is booked, clients are served right away, and anarchy or unhappy guests are absent. Though it seems like a fantasy, it is really possible. Observe Starbucks, and you'll witness the exact scenario that unfolded when the coffee chain embarked on its digital transformation and introduced a mobile app in 2011. If you are interested in restaurant app development, this blog is for you.

If your restaurant business requires an app like Starbucks and you want to learn everything about developing one, including a comprehensive feature list, then buckle your seatbelts and join us on this voyage.

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Why Does Your Coffee Shop Need To Develop A Mobile Application?

An app for your coffee shop business can significantly enhance the customer experience. Here are some benefits of having a cafe app:

• • Your team has the lowest error rate. Upon receiving orders from customers, the accurate order is relayed to the staff.

  • To engage with customers, consider offering personalized suggestions and sharing promotions or discounts. Optimizing the timing of push notifications can lead to larger order sizes. Consider this scenario: if a customer consistently orders coffee every day, offering them an exclusive discount code for a morning sandwich could be a valuable addition.

  • I recommend allocating more time for order acceptance and fulfillment. This will enhance team efficiency and allow you to handle more orders with fewer staff members.

  • You have the ability to showcase the brand effectively. A personalized branded app allows you to extend in-store branding to the online realm.

  • Typically, patrons tend to spend more when they place orders through a mobile app. The extended browsing time allows for better upselling and additional item purchases.

  • Businesses can enhance repeat visits and increase order sizes by implementing a loyalty program.

  • These restaurant app developments empower you to take ownership of the information they provide. By obtaining proper consent, you can directly interact with your customers. The data collected can be utilized to enhance the efficiency of the coffee shop.

Also Read : How to Develop an App Like Facebook ?

How to Develop a Food App Like Starbucks?

The innovative digital procedure involves several distinct technical and operational stages. In addition, it relies on a sequence of crucial choices, a targeted strategy, and a well-defined vision for the future of customer experience. Therefore, providers of Android or iOS app development services must adopt modern methodologies and technologies to build applications similar to Starbucks. Before hiring dedicated developers to create an app, it's essential to explore and define the technical stack. You can partner with any renowned mobile app development company that is highly experienced in restaurant app development. You can choose JPLoft as we are one of the most trusted and renowned apps and web development companies, and with our highly skilled Android and iOS developers, we give our clients cutting-edge app development services. 

Windows 10, Android, and iOS devices, as well as Starbucks' mobile payment app, are compatible. Apart from other auxiliary tools, it shows mastery in many programming languages and frameworks like Microsoft.NET and HTML5. Utilizing Modernizr, a JavaScript library for HTML5, and implementing Polyfill for older web browsers enhances app development by making it more progressive and advanced.

Tech Stack for Apps Like Starbucks

The integration of these technological features enhances the fundamental development process of an application like Starbucks, resulting in smoother and faster business operations. It's important to highlight that these key functionalities encompass a shop locator, store billing, payment notifications, and user management. For making a food app like Starbucks, you need to hire restaurant app developers, or you can also hire a mobile app development company that has a great team of dedicated developers. 

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Features of an App Like Starbucks 

Registration

In spite of the current trend of quick registration through social networks, users will find it more advantageous to create detailed profiles in your app. Profiles enable customers to access personalized perks, enhanced data security, and multi-factor authentication. Additionally, they streamline the process of tracking rewards programs, allowing users to access information about their accumulated stars easily and when they qualify for a free coffee, for instance.

Possessing extensive personal data about your users also enables you to effectively track your target audience, including their home cities, ages, and occupations. These observations will reveal the flaws in your targeting strategy and assist you in refining your audience selection.

Mobile Payments

Mobile payment is one of the primary reasons why customers like the Starbucks app so much. It saves time and tension while allowing clients to pick up items easily. Starbucks has introduced an e-wallet as part of its innovations to enhance the accessibility of the payment process. The Starbucks e-wallet facilitates electronic cards that allow users to transfer funds from their credit and debit cards. The mobile payment feature is one of the most essential features in the restaurant app development solution, so for this, you need to hire mobile app developers who are highly skilled in payment app development. 

This method enables individuals who don't have their bank cards (such as teenagers) to join the loyalty program, earn points (referred to as stars), and receive bonuses and discounts. If you happen to have a significant number of teenage customers, this concept could be applied. Nevertheless, contemporary users value their freedom and seek a broader range of options when it comes to payment methods, allowing them to select the most convenient one. It is essential to include additional credit and debit card payment alternatives.

Menu

The menu plays a crucial role in drawing customers and whetting their appetites. When you launch the Starbucks app or any other restaurant app, you'll find a delectable array of fresh dishes and beverages that instantly awaken your appetite and thirst. It is advisable to include distinctive photographs of the dishes you offer in our menu. Starbucks has thoughtfully organized its in-app menu to be both appealing and informative. They've categorized all menu features into two sections:

Essential and supplementary. Let's delve into the indispensable menu features for an app akin to Starbucks:

• • Food Catalog with Subcategories

  • Search option

  • Call-to-action button (purchase, add to order, favorites)

  • Customization feature (select size, add or remove toppings)

  • Item descriptions, including photographs and titles.

The Starbucks app menu includes some extra features.

• • Please provide the nutritional details, including calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

  • Implement a social sharing button that allows users to send an item description to a friend.

  • provide details about potential allergens.

Find a Store

When selecting a dining spot, customers often prioritize location. Therefore, incorporating a map into your application is crucial. For businesses with multiple stores, it's vital for users to easily find the nearest location and receive assistance with directions if needed. This is also one of the most important features in the coffee shop app development. For this, you need to hire dedicated developers who are highly skilled in GPS app development. 

Customer Loyalty Program

Starbucks effectively leveraged its loyalty program to enhance user loyalty and boost customer engagement. Implementing a loyalty program can significantly benefit your business by attracting and retaining customers. To create an effective loyalty program, focus on integrating it with your mobile app. Here are the essential functionalities you'll need:

• • Terms of the program: Please outline the program's terms, including a concise and straightforward explanation of the rules. Clarity and transparency regarding star or point collection are crucial.

  • Tracking points: Display the user's current points, stars, bonuses, or coupons and indicate whether they are eligible for redemption.

  • Redeem points: It is essential to allow users to utilize their bonuses, whether for dining or purchasing gifts and merchandise.

Order Pick-Up Functionality

The Starbucks app offers a pre-order tool, which successfully solves the problem of long lines during busy hours. Order pick-up allows customers to quickly retrieve their pre-paid and pre-prepared orders upon arrival, removing lines, easing payments, and ensuring customer happiness.

Ensure that your customers can personalize their orders through your app, just like they can when eating in your places. Consistency is key!

While Dunkin' Donuts lets customers choose their preferred coffee preparation time, Starbucks gives pre-orders to consumers priority as soon as feasible. Customers using the Dunkin' Donuts app will have the option to place orders for drinks and meals up to 24 hours in advance. Choose the one that best fits your company now.

Push Notifications

In the present day, push notifications serve a purpose beyond merely attracting users to your app. They now function as self-contained units of information that empower customers to accomplish specific tasks. A well-crafted and informative notification can serve as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bond between users and your app.

Numerous types of push notifications can be employed to enhance customer retention, boost conversion rates, refine customer targeting, monitor metrics, and achieve other objectives. Rich notifications, which include videos, music, and images, are among the most impactful types. By integrating visual and audio components, you can elevate the attractiveness and interactivity of your notifications.

Push notifications are effective, but they must be used judiciously to avoid negative consequences. Excessive notifications often lead to customer unsubscribes. It's crucial to send notifications only for significant announcements. Spam and ads don't reflect well on your company.

Advanced feature in the cafe app development solutions 

For an improved user experience, it might be beneficial to incorporate additional features into your app. Additional features can improve the accessibility and enjoyment of the ordering process while also entertaining users. Let's explore some examples:

What's A Song Playing? I Need To Know! 

The Starbucks app includes functionality that identifies songs and allows users to instantly add them to a Spotify playlist. If you have specific preferences for your restaurant's music playlist and would like to share them with your clients, consider adding this feature as well.

Send Gift Card To Love Once

Starbucks has a large selection of gift cards in various styles and for every occasion. Customers may simply choose a card design, add any amount of money (from $5 to $100), write a personalized message, or you can send it via email. The process is simple and doesn't take up much time.

This functionality proves valuable in customer engagement and user acquisition. Gift card recipients are more inclined to install your app for complimentary food and beverages.

Order Tracker Feature 

If your restaurant offers food delivery, this feature is essential. More than 50% of customers anticipate order tracking and receive text notifications about their order status.

Domino’s Pizza was the first to introduce this feature. Initially, users could only track their order status on the website. Currently, customers have multiple choices for monitoring the progress of their pizza delivery.

• • The initial conventional version features a scale showing the stages of preparation, baking, quality check, and out for delivery.

  • The second feature caters to our most impatient customers. IUsers can track the live GPS location of their pizza delivery driver.

This functionality enhances the customer experience by allowing them to utilize their wait time as they please rather than constantly waiting for the doorbell.

Food constructor

Most patrons expect to be able to customize their meals; many restaurants now let patrons build personalized orders by choosing several menu items and mixing components.

For example, the Taco Bell app lets consumers customize their tacos and burritos to fit their tastes. App users may choose their favorite sauce, adjust their burritos by adding different meat, bean, or veggie fillings, and decide on the serving size.

Gamification 

Many Starbucks customers value the mobile app's impressive gamification features, which seamlessly connect with loyalty programs. One advantage is that users can earn stars and unlock additional game levels, which offer exclusive gifts and perks.

Incorporating these features during the development of a coffee shop or restaurant app ensures user engagement with the brand and its functionalities. Leveraging gamification can be a strategic approach to boosting profits and driving business sales through mobile apps in the coffee industry. The gamification feature is one of the trendiest features in the app development services, as this feature helps your customers to stay busy and not get them on board while you prepare their order to serve. For this, you can hire a game developer, or you can also partner with the game app development company to add the gamification feature to your restaurant app development services. 

Detailed Recipe

Through its mobile app, Starbucks gives consumers comprehensive nutritional information for every product, therefore stressing openness. Healthies who carefully track their calorie and carbohydrate consumption will significantly benefit from this ability. Establishing a strong brand image in an app like Starbucks depends on including unique elements.

Each of the features highlighted in the Starbucks application contributes to its overall value and development cost. Similar to Starbucks, consider incorporating other distinctive features that can contribute to the success of your app. Additionally, ensure you implement a cutting-edge tech stack during the development of your mobile app.

Loyalty Programs

In the current competitive landscape of restaurant app development, businesses must integrate everything that gives them an edge. This encompasses customer loyalty programs, such as those offered by online coffee apps such as Starbucks. Customers accumulate stars with each purchase of food and coffee.

Customers can redeem these rewards for future orders. The newly implemented loyalty programs are designed for a loyal customer base. Incorporating a loyalty program into your coffee shop's mobile app could yield substantial results.

Also Read : Cost To Pay A Company To Develop An Mobile App

Types Of Food Apps Like Starbucks 

There are numerous coffeehouse app ideas that you could explore. A few popular ones include:

Food Subscription Apps

Food subscription apps are ideal for individuals who want to ensure they never run out of their favorite coffee beans or any other food items. These food apps similar to Starbucks, allow users to set up recurrent coffee delivery from various roasters and brands.

Customers have the option to personalize their subscriptions according to their consumption patterns, favorite coffee varieties, and even preferred grinding methods. Your food app can provide tasting notes, share the origin stories of the coffee beans, and offer brewing recommendations to elevate the coffee experience.

Coffee Ordering Apps

These apps have been developed to streamline the coffee purchasing experience at your favorite cafés, like Starbucks. Customers can select their preferred beverage, customize it to their taste, and complete the payment directly through the app. In various instances, customers have the option to either pick up their items in-store or have them delivered.

These food apps like Starbucks, offer functionalities such as saving preferred orders, scheduling pickups for a later time, and accessing exclusive promotions or discounts. Starbucks and Dunkin' are excellent illustrations of coffee chains that have seamlessly incorporated such apps. One of the main types of restaurant app development is food ordering apps. You surely go for this type of app development for your restaurant or cafe business. You can hire mobile app development company to build an app like Starbucks or you can also hire dedicated developers to build your cafehouse app development. 

Food and Coffee Community Apps

Coffee community apps aim to foster connections among coffee enthusiasts. Our app will enable users to share reviews, engage in discussions, and exchange brewing and enjoyment tips. Our restaurant app facilitates coffee enthusiasts in organizing meetups to connect, share their passion, and even buy or trade equipment. For making this type of community-based food app, you need to hire food app developers, or you can also hire a food delivery app development company that has a team of highly dedicated developers. 

Coffee Recipe and Brewing Apps

These applications are designed for coffee lovers who enjoy brewing their coffee at home and want to explore various brewing techniques and recipes. Apps dedicated to coffee recipes and brewing offer comprehensive guides and tutorials covering a variety of brewing methods, such as French press, latte, or espresso. These cafe app developments provide a range of features, such as timers, instructional videos, guides, and tools, to assist users in honing their coffee brewing skills and discovering new flavors and styles.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Food App Similar To Starbucks?

When thinking about creating an app like Starbucks, you should keep in mind its complexity within your means. Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) first helps to get users' comments in the current market situation. 

Other than this, some significant factors influence the cost of an app like Starbucks. Want to know what they are? Here you go!

Developer’s Location

The cost of development is greatly influenced by the geographical location of the developer.. When creating a mobile app, one must decide between an hourly rate and a project-based approach. For example, the standard hourly rate in South American, European, and Asian countries typically ranges from $50 to $80. Conversely, the hourly rate for coffee shop app development rises to $120-150 in North America, the USA, and the UK.

App’s Complexity

The level of complexity in your app significantly impacts the cost during the development phase. Developing an app similar to Starbucks, with its essential features, typically takes around 600 hours. On the other hand, a more intricate application with added features might necessitate more than 1000 dedicated hours.

Historically, the back-end and native application development have consistently been the most time-intensive segments of the development process. In conclusion, investing in quality app development can reduce the necessity of hiring mobile app developers. Ultimately, this approach helps determine the overall development cost. The standard version typically falls in the range of $15,000 to $25,000, while more advanced mobile payment apps like Starbucks can cost between $25,000 and $45,000. You can hire a mobile app development company like JPLoft, as we are one of the leading app development companies. With our cutting-edge iOS and Android app development, we completed more than 1100 projects across the globe with 97% client retention. 

Features & Tech Stack

Next, let's delve into another critical aspect that impacts the cost of developing a coffee shop app similar to Starbucks: the features and technology stack. The cost of mobile app development for your coffee shop app will increase as you add more features. Similarly, when it comes to technology, the more sophisticated solutions you incorporate, the greater the associated costs.

When developing a coffee shop app or a food and restaurant mobile app, it's crucial to choose the right features and technology stack based on your business budget.

Development Platform

The Starbucks app is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms. Nevertheless, many small coffee shop proprietors find themselves without the financial resources needed to develop mobile applications across all platforms. Given that scenario, it becomes crucial to choose the right platform for your business app, similar to how Starbucks did.

App UX/UI

The design of a coffee shop application is one of the significant features that significantly impact mobile app costs. A limited number of business proprietors recognize the significance of a well-designed application and its impact on success. As a result, they assign less resources to it.

According to mobile app developers and professionals, design is equally important as development, and businesses should be aware of this. However, the more intricate your coffee shop app design becomes, the greater the associated cost. When developing a coffee app, it's crucial to consider your budget and take these factors into account when making decisions. For developing the best UI/UX, you can hire remote developers from JPLoft, as we have highly dedicated app developers in our team who are highly experienced in restaurant app development.

Also Read : Building a Custom Mobile App vs. Using An Off-The-Shelf Product

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Developing Apps Like Starbucks

Including additional features is crucial to making your app stand out and more appealing. Creating a mobile payments app requires a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of app development. The harsh reality is that you can't always know the full price of a mobile application upfront. Numerous variables and uncertainties are at play.

When considering the cost of developing a coffee app similar to Starbucks, keep these factors in mind.

• • What’s participating in: The Starbucks app has a nifty feature that recognizes songs and lets customers add them to a Spotify playlist instantly.

  • Customize Gift Card: This attribute proves beneficial in captivating buyers and drawing in new users. Individuals who receive gift cards are likely to install your app to enjoy complimentary drinks and food.

  • Mobile order and pay Starbucks: You can buy coffee in advance and skip the line at the store. This feature is available nationwide in America and allows for mobile payment via iPhone and Android.

  • Manage cards: Customers have the option to review their account balance, load funds, make purchases at Starbucks, earn loyalty points for future rewards, transfer funds between cards, set aside tips, and track their mobile payment history.

  • Push notifications: In the present day, push notifications serve a purpose beyond merely enticing users into an app. They function as self-contained packets of information, enabling customers to complete specific tasks.

  • Customer loyalty method: Earn stars with every drink purchase and redeem rewards later. You'll get two stars for every dollar spent, and once you reach 125 stars, you'll receive your first free reward!

  • Shop locator: A geolocation feature assists customers in locating nearby shops and provides guidance and helpful information.

  • Now enjoying: In the mobile app, we can feature songs that are currently playing in a Starbucks store when a customer enters.

What Challenges Are There When You Build an App Like Starbucks?

Replicating an existing app might appear straightforward, and perhaps it is. Your objective is not to replicate the Starbucks app or any other but to develop your own distinct branded application that will draw in new customers to your business. Before embarking on the development process, it's crucial to consider the following key challenges:

Targeting the Right Audience

Leverage your existing knowledge of your core customer base to create an app tailored specifically for them, similar to how Starbucks caters to its audience. Enhance your understanding of your customer base by proactively seeking their opinions and carefully considering their feedback. Rather than attempting to appeal to everyone, focus on a more targeted approach.

Perform a survey to inquire with loyal customers about the features they desire in your mobile app. Analyze the customer segments that participated most actively in this survey. It's important to grasp these individuals' values in order to create a truly valuable application.

Long-Term Customer Engagement

A well-designed application with a user-friendly interface and effective marketing can help you attract new customers. Nonetheless, empirical evidence indicates that 21 percent of users discontinue using an app after their initial experience, and only 50 percent continue to engage with it up to the 11th app session.

The Starbucks loyalty program significantly contributes to customer acquisition, engagement, and retention within the Starbucks app. The company took seven years to enhance the rewards program, making it valuable, transparent, straightforward, and accessible. 

Numerous strategies are available to maintain customer loyalty. As an example, consider implementing a long-term loyalty program that offers valuable perks to customers. Alternatively, you can attract customers by providing unique functionality.

Provide a Unique Experience

Clones rarely gain popularity. To differentiate your app, think about incorporating distinctive features. Incorporating an AR menu, chatbots, social integration, games, or unique perks can enhance your app's appeal and generate buzz. Leverage modern technologies to outpace your competitors. 

As an illustration, the Bareburger app leverages Kabaq technology to create an augmented reality (AR) menu and 3D models of their food items. This application allows users to visualize how their burger will appear in real life using augmented reality (AR) and capture fun photos with virtual food.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, developing an app like Starbucks requires a comprehensive approach that blends cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of customer needs. By integrating features such as personalized recommendations, seamless mobile payments, and detailed menu options, you can create an app that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. Investing in a robust tech stack and focusing on user experience will enhance your app's functionality and appeal.

As the coffeehouse industry continues to evolve, the opportunity for innovation in food delivery app development is vast. Whether you're aiming to develop a cafe app like Starbucks or exploring restaurant app development, choosing the right technology and development partner is crucial. For those considering food delivery app development, partnering with a specialized company that offers food delivery app development services can provide you with the expertise needed to bring your vision to life.

To build an app like Starbucks, it's essential to work with experienced developers. Whether you decide to hire dedicated app developers or hire remote developers, ensure they have a proven track record in food delivery app development solutions. This strategic approach will help you create a successful and engaging app, driving growth and customer satisfaction in the competitive food and beverage market.