How will Italy, a country steeped in coffee culture, respond to the world’s largest coffee chain - Starbucks’s first store? Met with skepticism by many Italians, who revel in the perfect espresso and have deep connections with their local coffee shops, the company had a lot to live up to. But apparently, Starbucks did a very good job for their Milan store and create a space that is much more than the average Starbucks you’ve ever seen.
Located in a historic building that was once a post office, the opulent interior pays homage to Italian espresso culture and shows off the diversity of Starbucks Milan. Reserve Roastery showcases the theatre of coffee roasting, brewing, and mixology in the epicenter of fashion and culture.
An immediate difference between your neighborhood Starbuckss and the one in Milan is the use of stone. From counter top to flooring, marble is used thoroughly in the whole design. The use of bronze accents and pink stone brings a warmth to the vast space, which has wood accents such as the fluted bar fronts that are a nod to Corinthian columns. Another focal point of the interior is the roastery, which brings visitors into the art of coffee.
If that weren’t enough, renowned baker Princi has partnered with Starbucks to create artisan breads, pizzas, and sweets in an open setting for customers to see. There’s even a cocktail bar open in the evening, playing on Italy’s aperitivo culture of pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. With over 100 ways to drink your coffee, Starbucks is going all in to see if they’ll be able to find their way in Italy’s coffee scene. Since opening on September 7, 2018, lines have stretched around the block as people waited to get their sip of Starbucks. However, there are also many critisims coming along - in a country where a good cappuccino costs about 1.20 euros, will locals be willing to pay 4.50 euros for the experience Starbucks is offering? Not for me, how about you guys?
via: architecturaldigest