Starbucks is Opening Its World’s Largest Store on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile in 2019
Internationally renowned American coffeehouse chain Starbucks is planning for its world’s largest store in North Michigan Avenue, Chicago. The “Roastery” store will be the third in the United States. It will have four floors and a total area of 43,000 sqft, and it is scheduled to open in 2019.
The store which will be along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile; a world famous retail street, is replacing a Crate & Barrel retail space. It will carry similar features to the first Starbucks Roastery in the chain’s home city, Seattle, which has been active since 2014. Deviating from the typical coffeehouse model, the new store will be a “fully sensorial coffee environment dedicated to roasting, brewing and packaging its rare, small-batch Starbucks Reserve coffees from around the world, … designed to bring coffee craft to life by offering multiple brewing methods, speciality Reserve beverages and mixology.”
Executive Chairman of Starbucks Howard Schultz has expressed his delight at opening a new Roastery store in Chicago. He, also, discussed the location, saying: “Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, so we took our time to find an incredible space to match the unprecedented coffee experience our premium Roastery will offer.” He continued, “To be located on one of the best-known retail streets in the world is a proud moment for all of us and we can’t wait to bring Chicago and the world a coffee experience worthy of their most premier real estate.”
“Chicago’s Magnificent Mile brings in millions of visitors from across this globe and is the perfect location for a world-class coffee destination,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “This Starbucks Reserve Roastery will be an investment in Chicago and a strong addition to Michigan Avenue, where residents and visitors can enjoy incredible coffees from around the world in a remarkable environment.”
Besides two more Starbucks reserve stores are to be opened in Seattle in 2017 and in West Loop, Chicago, in 2018, the company plans to open between 20 to 30 Roastery stores and 1,000 reserve stores worldwide.
