As a company, Starbucks Coffee already has a lot to be proud of, being a coffee company that has a fully verified ethical supply chain among others. Now, it is taking things up a notch with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind store right here in Kuala Lumpur.

In collaboration with The Society of Interpreters for the Deaf (SID), it proudly introduces the Starbucks Signing Store in Bangsar Village II that hires deaf partners to manage the place.

The effort is one that got the entire world sitting up and paying attention too because it is a first for the company globally.

“The planning took a year involving many Starbucks partners,” tells managing director of Starbucks Malaysia Sydney Quays. “They had to attend sign language classes so they are able to communicate better with the deaf partners. This was also needed for recruitment and training where SID supported us throughout it.”

The collaboration sees SID providing the hiring, training and coaching for deaf employees as well as the teaching of sign language to hearing partners. The Signing Store currently sees 10 deaf partners and 3 hearing partners tending to operations.

Having deaf partners isn’t something new to Starbucks as the company has long championed the support and inclusion of people with disabilities through fulfilling work and this cements their stand.. “We took this as an opportunity to provide a better career path and sense of belonging towards our existing deaf partners who have been working with us for at least 3 years,” Quays elaborates.

He adds, “Our deaf partners will undergo the same barista training as our hearing partners which includes baristas basics, how to handle food, among others.”

In alignment with that commitment, anyone interested is welcomed to apply to be a part of the Signing Store. Training will be provided to successful applicants. “They can either send in their resume to recruitment@starbucks.com.my or walk in and apply at our store,” Quays invites.

Have a look into the store in the video below.

Starbucks' Signing Store is located at Lot No.2F-22 & K1, 2nd Floor, Bangsar Village II, No. 2 Jalan Telawi Satu, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.

Love Starbucks? Then you'll want to pop by its Coffee Theatre at its birthplace in Seattle.