Colombo’s favourite coffee house chain Barista Lavazza which has been on a recent drive to bring its unique brand of coffee and exceptional service to islanders across the nation, recently opened its latest outlet in the tourist hotspot of Unawatuna. Situated on the main road to Matara in close proximity to the turn-off point to the famous “Wella Dewalaya” along Unawatuna beach, the new outlet is expected to attract tourists who throng Unawatuna around the year, as well as many locals who are on holiday or just passing by.

Speaking on the decision to expand to mainly the Southern province Barista Lavazza CEO Thilina Amarasinghe noted, “Sri Lanka is seeing such an influx of tourist arrivals and many of them are targeted towards the Southern coast that is lined with beautiful beaches and many options for accommodation ranging from luxury hotel to home-stays. However, there is a lack of international food chains venturing in to these areas to make maximum use of this tourist boom. Tourists like to see familiar brands among the local wares as well. This is something we as a company have understood and thus stems the decision to venture in to other key destinations around the island such as Galle, Benthota and now Unawatuna.”

The outlet in Unawatuna is set in a location that allows customers to enjoy signature Barista Lavazza coffee and the extensive menu of savoury and sweet accompaniments both indoors and outdoors.

Amarasinghe also notes, “This outlet is not just about spreading our brand far and wide. Whenever we open an outlet outside of Colombo, we look to hire and train staff from the area thereby providing job opportunities to the youth of the locale. This has also worked very successfully for us as these young employees become our brand ambassadors within the environment they are familiar with.”

The outlet will be open from 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week, and will serve hot and cold beverages, a range of freshly-made sandwiches and Barista cakes and cookies.