STARBUCKS RESERVE PRINCI - USA

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Client: STARBUCKS PRINCI

Industry: Food & Beverage + Retail

Interior Designers: Yan Li, Jane Heistand, Alex Sorel

Lead Designers: Leocadie Ahmes, Carlos Herrera

Total number of Stores: 5

Design Years: 2017-2019

ABOUT THE DESIGN

Starbucks Princi is a premium bakery and café concept introduced by Starbucks in collaboration with the Italian bakery Princi. This partnership brings authentic Italian bakery items, including fresh-baked breads, pastries, and other gourmet food items, to select Starbucks locations. Princi is known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional baking methods, which aim to provide an elevated food experience beyond the typical offerings found in standard Starbucks stores.

The concept was first introduced in Starbucks Reserve Roastery locations, which are large, flagship stores designed to offer an immersive coffee and culinary experience. These roasteries feature unique coffee blends, brewing methods, and food options that are not available in regular Starbucks stores. The inclusion of Princi bakery items complements the premium coffee experience by providing high-quality, freshly prepared food.

Key aspects of Starbucks Princi include:

1. Artisanal Bakery Items: A variety of fresh-baked goods such as breads, croissants, pastries, and focaccias.2. Gourmet Meals: Offerings include breakfast, lunch, and dinner items like sandwiches, salads, and pizzas.3. Premium Ingredients: Use of high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients to ensure authenticity and superior taste.4. Exclusive Availability: Initially available in Starbucks Reserve Roastery locations and select Starbucks Reserve stores, with the possibility of expansion to other markets over time.

Overall, Starbucks Princi represents Starbucks' effort to diversify its food offerings and create a more sophisticated and upscale dining experience within its stores.

MY ROLE

I played a significant role in the design and aesthetic elements of the Starbucks Princi projects. While specific details about my involvement in each project may vary, my contributions generally include the following aspects:

Design Concept: Developed a comprehensive design concept that encapsulates the brand's ethos and desired customer experience. This includes conceptual drawings and mood boards that convey the overall vision.

Interior Layout: Creating detailed floor plans and space planning to ensure optimal flow and functionality. This involves placing different elements such as seating, bakery displays, and service areas strategically to enhance the customer experience.

Aesthetic Details: Selecting materials, colors, and finishes that reflect the premium and artisanal nature of the Princi brand. This might include specifying natural materials like wood, stone, and metals, as well as choosing appropriate color palettes and textures.

Customer Experience: Enhancing the customer journey through thoughtful spatial design, ensuring that every touchpoint, from entry to service counter to seating, is intuitive and pleasant. This includes designing wayfinding systems and ensuring ADA compliance.

Brand Integration: Seamlessly integrating Starbucks Reserve’s premium brand elements with Princi’s Italian bakery identity. This involves maintaining brand consistency through design elements, signage, and overall aesthetic cohesion.

Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) Selection: Carefully selecting and specifying furniture, fixtures, and equipment that align with the design concept. This includes sourcing and specifying tables, chairs, lighting fixtures, display cases, and kitchen equipment that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

Construction Drawings and Documentation: Producing detailed construction drawings and documentation required for the build-out. This includes architectural drawings, elevations, sections, and detailed specifications for construction teams to follow.

Millwork Detailing: Designing custom millwork elements such as cabinetry, counters, display cases, and shelving. Providing detailed millwork drawings that specify materials, finishes, and construction methods to ensure high-quality fabrication and installation.

Coordination with Contractors and Vendors: Collaborating with contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the design is executed correctly. This involves site visits, reviewing shop drawings, and addressing any issues that arise during construction.

Attention to Detail: Focusing on finer details such as custom fixtures, artwork, and lighting to create a unique and cohesive space. Ensuring that every element contributes to the overall design vision and enhances the customer experience.

By incorporating these technical aspects, I would ensure that the design not only meets aesthetic and functional goals but also adheres to practical and construction standards, resulting in a well-executed and high-quality space.