First Starbucks Opens in Italy

Italy Starbucks

There have been rumors about Starbucks in Italy for years, but it finally happened. The very first Italian Starbucks has opened in Milan after extensive preparations.

While I see no need for the chain to expand here, I have to admit that this first Italian Starbucks is beautiful.

Starbucks in Italy

Rather than simply a neighborhood coffee shop, the Starbucks in Milan is a roastery where the coffee beans can be processed right in the center of the store.

The first Italian outpost is decidedly higher-end and is a part of the Starbucks Reserve brand rather than a standard Frap counter. It is located inside a former post office on Piazza Cordusio.

First Starbucks in Italy

Known as the Starbucks Milan Roastery, there is a Scolari roaster front and center than commands attention, but the entire space has been meticulously designed, taking inspiration from Milan’s history of Italian fashion.

The Milan store also has plenty of high-tech touches, including an interactive augmented reality feature that invites customers to use their cell phones throughout the space to learn more about coffee roasting and about Starbucks – including by standing in front of a sculpted brass wall created by local artists.

Starbucks founder Howard Schultz has long said that his coffee empire was really influenced by Italian coffee culture. However, the American coffee chain has not really stayed true to the Italian-style of the beverage.

Starbucks Milan Italy

In spite of this, I think that the first Starbucks in Italy will do just fine. Style-conscious Milanese will surely wander inside and the younger generation will be drawn to the branding and extensive seating. (Italian coffee bars are usually just that – a bar where you drink the coffee quickly while standing. The Milan Starbucks clearly has additional seating for lingering over a coffee-like beverage).

I am curious to see if they have changed the naming of any menu items because most of the US-menus use Italian words incorrectly.

Italy survived McDonald’s and it will survive Starbucks. Will you be visiting?

Honestly, I will still get my fancy Milan coffee at Pasticceria Marchesi.

As for the Italian capital, the first Starbucks in Rome is expected to open in 2021. However, there is no confirmed date and things in Rome can become delayed thanks to the country’s notorious bureaucracy.

All photos via Starbucks Partners

7 thoughts on “First Starbucks Opens in Italy

  1. Tracie says:

    Hi Natalie! I have loved following your blog and getting inspiration for my upcoming 1st trip to Roma and Italia – next week in fact. I’m from California, and I for one will NOT be visiting Starbucks – even if they make if all fancy and in a beautiful building (which it is!!) To me it kind of defeats the whole purpose of an italian coffee ๐Ÿ˜€ – Can’t wait – so excited. Grazie Mille

  2. Helga says:

    I’ve been very scaptical with this Starbucks on my recent trip to Milan in January. I’ve been there with my Italian friend, who’s as myself not a fan of Starbucks. But we decided to go in and get around. Honestly, I was absolutely fascinated. The design, the colors, but mostly the idea of a coffee factory inside a coffee shop. It’s just wow. Anybody going to Milan, I really can just recommende – even if you don’t buy anything, but just check it out!

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