Our first store was pretty basic, but we didn't need much from the space – really just a place to scoop coffee beans for our customers.
Then things started to change. When we adopted the Italian coffeehouse model in 1987, we wanted people to linger, socialize and sip, so we added a few wood and metal chairs and stools to our stores. As we expanded and became a third place for people between home and work, we prioritized customer comfort, welcoming an icon-to-be into the mix in 1996.
All was well. We had a distinct look and feel. But as we continued growing globally, we had a new problem: Our stores were ubiquitous and uniform. We'd sacrificed individuality for efficiency – and it showed.
So we rethought things once again, and in 2008 committed to better connecting our store designs to the communities and cultures they serve. The results are stunning: thoughtfully designed to reflect the distinct personality of each local neighborhood and sustainably built with an eye on the environment.
