On Tuesday, September 18, Starbucks is scheduled to debut its new standalone Princi bakery in Chicago’s West Loop. The Italian bakery and café will join the Seattle location, which opened on July 31, as the only ones in the United States.
Fresh baking on-site is a centerpiece of these Princi bakeries. The new store features the full Princi menu of artisanal baked goods, including breads, focaccia sandwiches, pizza, hot entrees, Italian cakes, tarts, and other desserts.
Bar Mixato will be another unique feature of the establishment. The beverage counter will serve traditional Italian aperitivo such as cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. These beverages will be accompanied by complimentary small plates.
Another key feature of Princi bakeries is the layout and design. Starbucks works closely with Rocco Princi and his team to design these locations, taking inspiration from Princi’s original Milan (Italy) bakery and the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle.
“When you first walk into a Princi bakery, you’re suddenly hit by the energy, the theater, the smell,” says Christian Davies, Starbucks vice president, Creative Global Design & Innovation. “Your first impression is the abundance and seduction of food. That’s what we’re trying to create with a distinctly Italian look and feel to bring that passion to life.”