Starbucks new 3D printed store opens next week, see the location

Coffee giant Starbucks is trying something new. Really new.

They’re about to open their first-ever 3D-printed store. Yes, you read that right.

Where’s this futuristic coffee shop? Brownsville, Texas. Mark your calendars for April 28.

What Does a 3D-Printed Starbucks Look Like?

Think concrete, but cool. A massive 3D printer layered a special concrete mix to build the exterior. It’s like watching a giant robot create a building.

The store itself is 1,400 square feet. But here’s the catch. No lounging inside. This location is drive-thru and mobile orders only.

Why 3D Print a Starbucks?

Good question. Starbucks partnered with PERI 3D Construction for this project.

PERI has some experience. They’ve built apartments in Germany and even a Habitat for Humanity home in Arizona.

Texas seems to be a 3D-printing hotspot. Another company, Icon, is building an entire community of 3D-printed homes in Georgetown. Homes are selling fast, despite costing between $450,000 and $600,000.

Is This Part of a Bigger Plan?

Could be. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is shaking things up.

He’s already cut 30% of the U. S. menu. Baristas have strict time goals for fulfilling orders.

There’s even a new dress code. Khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms and a solid black shirt. Baristas now write customer names on cups.

Why the Changes?

Sales have been down. U. S. same-store sales dropped 4% last quarter. Foot traffic is also down 8%.

Niccol remains optimistic. He believes investments in labor, marketing, technology, and stores will turn things around.

Starbucks reports its second-quarter earnings on April 29. Will the changes pay off? We’ll see.