Starbucks worked closely with Rocco Princi and his team to design the new location. It takes inspiration from Princi’s original Milan (Italy) bakery and the nearby Starbucks Reserve Roastery, with natural materials, earth-colored stone, hand-blown glass light fixtures, hand-rubbed plaster on the walls, and an overall commitment to craftsmanship.
“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.”
“We wanted to make sure every one of these elements is created with the same level of detail that Rocco puts into his food,” says Davies.
Throughout the course of each day, beverages will be a major focal point. Starbucks Reserve Princi Blend is the signature coffee offering, along with handcrafted espresso beverages made on a manual espresso machine. Additionally, Bar Mixato is a unique beverage counter that will serve traditional Italian aperitivo such as cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. These beverages will be accompanied by complimentary small plates.
In the fall, more standalone versions of Princi bakery are expected to open in Chicago and New York City.
