Starbucks' First Sign-Language Store In The US Was Inspired By An Outlet In Bangsar

Unlike other branches in the US, this newly opened Starbucks in Washington, DC has a unique store format - customers must use sign language or written directions to make their orders.

Kyle Garcia, a deaf barista, told CNN that all staff members are fluent in American Sign Language and that it has been interesting to see the reactions of customers when ordering at the store.

"At the point of sale, people see [signing] immediately and sometimes stand there in awe. They're used to talking to people right away. It's a role reversal."

The store is also decorated by murals and coffee mugs designed by deaf creatives, a tablet where customers can choose to write down their orders instead of signing, and a screen that flashes a customer's name when their order is ready, Mashable SEA reported.

Following the success of the Bangsar Village II outlet, American Starbucks employees were sent to Malaysia to study it before formulating a plan to set up a similar front in the US.

When the company announced its plans in 2017, it said that a signing store would "promote accessibility and offer employment and career advancement opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people," CNN reported.

"A team of Deaf Starbucks partners (employees) and allies led the effort to launch this unique store model in the US, which is located at 6th & H Street near Gallaudet University, a bustling hub that is well known as a Deaf-friendly community," the US Embassy of Kuala Lumpur wrote on their Facebook page.