Starbucks To Begin Delivery Service

(RTTNews) - Starbucks is planning a trial launch to deliver food and beverages in certain parts of Seattle and New York City in the second half of 2015, reports said.

The delivery service envisages a two-pronged model, the Seattle Times reported, and would include third party or its own employees.

Under the first delivery model, Starbucks has teamed up with Postmates, the on-demand delivery service, to deliver in select areas of Seattle items such as coffee and pastries using cars and bicycles.

In the second model, Starbucks will deliver food and beverages in specified office-buildings in New York City, reportedly starting with the Empire State Building.

Customers in Seattle can place orders through the Starbucks mobile app, and those in New York can order online.

Earlier this week, Starbucks expanded Mobile Order & Pay service to about 650 stores across Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska. The company plans to expand it nationwide by the end of this year.

Restaurant chains, including McDonald's, are increasingly using technology to provide more convenience to tech savvy customers and enhance traffic at outlets.