Smell of Starbucks Coffee Is in the Air

By Valeria Korchagina
Staff Writer The Moscow Times

Lynne Sladky / AP

Want a double-shot, half-caf, breve, upside down, extra sauce, 140 degrees, no lid, grande Caramel Macchiato? It may be heading your way, albeit slowly.

Starbucks Coffee Co. is eyeing Russia as the newest target for its rapidly expanding empire.

The popular coffee-house chain has for some time been researching the market and sees Russia as a potential platform for expansion, sources familiar with the company's plans said Wednesday. While no one is setting a date for a grand opening yet, speculation about the Frappuccino maker's growing interest in the market are spreading.

Starbucks executives have been spotted around town, some as recently as last week.

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