Starbucks' Americas cafe sales rise more than expected

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp's sales at established cafes in its U.S.-dominated Americas region grew slightly more than expected in the latest quarter amid increasing competition from upscale independent cafes, convenience stores and fast-food chains.

Sales at Americas region cafes open at least 13 months rose 2 percent in the second quarter ended April 1, Starbucks said Thursday. Analysts polled by Consensus Metrix expected a gain of 1.8 percent.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Nick Zieminski)