# Sweet Potato-Powered Cafes Starbucks and Kirishima Shuzo Partnered for an Upcoming Location By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2024-07-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-and-kirishima-shuzo References: [soranews24](https://soranews24.com/2024/07/25/starbucks-teams-up-with-japanese-shochu-brewery-for-a-whole-new-coffee-experience/) & [starbucks.co.jp](https://www.starbucks.co.jp/index.html)  [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yakiimo-kobashi-caramel-frappuccino) and Kirishima Shuzo have announced a new partnership that will see the coffee brand teaming up with the local Japanese brewery to construct an eco-friendly location in Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The venture will see the Starbucks location powered by sweet potatoes by harnessing the biogas and electricity from shochu lees and potato scraps from the Kirishima Shuzo brewery. The store will include a [drive-thru](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-selfservice-kiosks) for increased patron ease of access, while also featuring a [botanical garden](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-coffee-house) that guests will be able to admire from both the inside and outside thanks to a series of conservatory-style windows. The Starbucks and Kirishima Shuzo retail location is expected to go into construction starting this fall with the grand opening slated for Spring 2026. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 26% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sweet Potato Biogas Energy:** Utilizing biogas from shochu lees and potato scraps offers a sustainable energy solution for commercial establishments. - **Eco-friendly Restaurant Designs:** Incorporating natural elements and energy-efficient materials into building designs enhances environmental sustainability. - **Integrated Botanical Gardens:** Combining commercial spaces with botanical gardens creates unique and visually appealing customer experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sustainable Energy:** The use of organic waste to generate biogas represents a significant leap towards reducing carbon footprints in the energy sector. - **Eco-architecture:** Blending architectural spaces with green designs and sustainable materials transforms conventional building practices. - **Agri-tourism:** Integrating agricultural elements like botanical gardens within urban settings can boost local tourism and environmental awareness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sweet Potato Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yakiimo-kobashi-caramel-frappuccino.md) - [Blended Sweet Potato Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/osatsu-butter-frappuccino.md) - [Sweet Potato Mousse Lattes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-potato-mousse-latte.md) - [Sweet Potato Frappuccinos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-1.md) - [Micro Train Platform Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-shinkansen-platform.md) - [Regional Holiday Cafe Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hojicha-mochitto-milk.md) - [Seasonal Transition Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-go-beyond.md) - [Celebratory Mochi Cafe Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mocchiri-balls.md) - [Iced Energy Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-iced-energy.md)