Starbucks is planning to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai, with the facility expected to create around 800 jobs in its first phase, according to a Tamil Nadu government source. The move adds to Chennai’s growing reputation as a hub for global corporate technology and business operations. Starbucks currently operates around 500 cafes in India through its joint venture with Tata Consumer Products. The company had not immediately responded to requests for comment. The planned centre comes shortly after US pharmacy chain Walgreens announced an agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to set up its own GCC in Chennai. The city already hosts technology and business centres for major global companies, including Citi, Barclays and American Express. GCCs have increasingly evolved beyond traditional back-office operations, supporting multinational companies in areas such as finance, software development, research and development, and other higher-value functions.
