While Starbucks is a familiar sight in cities across the globe, it’s never been something you’d stumble on during your Italian travels…
Until now. The Seattle-based coffee giant has just launched its first Italian branch in Piazza Cordusio in Milan. And it’s no ordinary Starbucks: this one comes complete with a mezzanine cocktail bar and on-site roastery. While many are questioning how the global brand will fare in this nation of coffee connoisseurs, the firm insists it’s approaching the Italian market in a spirit of “humility and respect”. “This is where Starbucks was born… This city inspired our brand”, claims Starbucks’ chief design officer, Liz Muller, adding, “I cannot wait to have people come in and see it.” It remains to be seen whether the coffee-loving Italians will abandon their coffee bar espressos to check it out.