Starbucks Reserve SODO | First ‘Reserve store’ concept opened in Seattle
Last week, Starbucks Reserve SODO opened its doors for the first time, inviting visitors to take a journey of discovery with small-lot Starbucks Reserve™ coffees and Princi food. This location is the first of the company’s new Reserve store concept, introducing a marketplace-style environment to showcase its premium Starbucks Reserve brand.
Starbucks Reserve SODO
The café, located on street level of Starbucks corporate headquarters in Seattle, was created to offer a mingling of public and private. A place where Starbucks partners and visitors can relax in a leather lounge chair near the fireplace, nosh on a piece of focaccia at the counter or enjoy the latest Reserve espresso and a flaky cornetti from Princi.
Christian Davies, vice president creative global design & innovation for Starbucks, wants visitors to feel like they are part of an experience from the moment they cross the threshold and pass through the entry doors. Every detail is deliberate, starting with the pattern on the hand-carved doors – concentric circles borrowed from the art for a Starbucks Reserve coffee card.
“When you walk into the space from the entry, you can take everything in in the sweep of an eye,” said Christian Davies. “We wanted people to walk through those doors and immediately find themselves in something different and unique, but they would still recognize as Starbucks.”
Interior
To the left, there’s a colorful art installation. Just beyond is the chef’s table and Princi case. Behind that, through framed art glass, is the Princi kitchen. Anchoring the center of the main café is a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, signaling a welcoming place to gather. Then look to the right and you’ll see a long wood-topped craft bar with Starbucks Reserve coffees and a mixology bar, finishing with the coffee library and doors to the patio.
Princip Bakery
The Princi bakery and café is located in the centre of the stage, featuring the full Princi menu with artisanal baked breads, and breakfast anchored by signature cornetti and brioche. At lunch time, the menu offers soups, salads, focaccia and pizza. To the right is the mixology bar for later in the day with traditional Italian aperitivo, such as Aperol Spritz paired with small plates, as well as beer, wine and spirits. In addition, there are several meeting- and lounge rooms, each creating its own moment of storytelling. More information regarding the meetingrooms can be found in the press release on their website.
Website: Starbucks
