Starbucks in Germany Stuck in the Red

The Seattle-based coffee shop chain Starbucks is not pouring the number of capuccinos, espressos and Mochaccinos that was anticipated at its much-hyped opening in 2002. Only three of the 31 outlets in Germany are currently making a profit and the company has said it will likely only begin to break even in 2007. Starbucks opened in Germany as a joint venture with retail giant KarstadtQuelle, which has now ordered a review of Starbucks' business prospects to be carried out by mid-August, when, according to the financial daily Handelsblatt, the future of the joint venture should be decided. At the same time, however, the company announced, 12 to 15 additional outlets are in the planning.