Chinese chain Luckin Coffee opened its first two U.S. locations this week, betting that mobile-only ordering and creative flavors can lure customers away from Starbucks. Both new Luckin stores are based in Manhattan, and at the midtown location on Wednesday, Sam Liu took a sip of her jasmine cold brew. “I’ve never tried anything like it,” she said. I thought I just order at the counter, but I realized everyone was standing around looking at their phone. Luckin Customer Sam Liu, New York City Liu said she’d hoped for more seating — the small shop has only three tables — and was initially confused by Luckin’s in-app ordering system, which means customers can’t order directly from a barista. “I thought I just order at the counter, but I realized everyone was standing around looking at their phone,” Liu said. Luckin is China’s largest coffee chain, with more than twice as…
