Starting a coffee store in a country which loves its coffee is a daunting task. This is precisely why it took Starbucks 47 years to open a branch in Italy, the country that first inspired the brand. Its task while opening a store in Italy was to ensure that they became a part of the coffee steeped culture of the country. While they were met with scepticism by the Italians who enjoy perfect espressos and connections with the local barista, the American coffee-house entered the Italian market in style.
When the Milan store was finally revealed to the public, it became evident that the franchise had stepped up their game. While there are intricately designed stores around the world – like in Japan and in Chicago – the one in Milan stands apart.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is located in a trendy square in Milan’s financial district, near some of the famous tourist attractions. Situated inside a historic building that used to serve as a post office, the spatial design is done with a balance between the old and the new. The interior is designed as a homage to the traditional Italian design as well as to show the diversity of its store in Milan. It showcases the theatre of roasting coffee, brewing, and mixology to recreate the experience that inspired Howard Schultz to start Starbucks.
Sourcing marble from Calacatta and using it as countertops is a genius idea. Giving a subtle hat-tip to the bars in Italy, which have stone countertops, the American coffee-hou...