Starbucks opens three-level Reserve location inside the Empire State Building
All images courtesy of Matthew Glac
Starbucks is opening another of its premium, immersive roasteries within the Empire State Building on Wednesday. Spanning 23,000 square feet across three floors, the new Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store features immersive experiences like hands-on workshops and guided tasting flights, as well as an extensive menu of coffee beverages, craft cocktails, and artisan food only available at the location.
The new store pays homage to the building’s Art Deco design, which is defined by “strong geometric patterns, rich colors, and ornamental details,” according to the Starbucks website. These same architectural features are found throughout the new Starbucks Reserve location.
The store’s design team worked alongside the Empire State Building team to enhance elements that were original to the space, including the restoration of the facade, revolving door, and storefront finials.
On the first floor, patrons will be able to purchase and enjoy their favorite Starbucks beverages, from classics like caramel macchiatos and seasonal coffees to beverages exclusive to Starbucks Reserve like the nitro almond milk mocha and hazelnut bianco latte.
Customers will be able to purchase the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend, a new coffee mix inspired by the famous landmark and roasted within the Meatpacking District’s Starbucks Reserve Roastery that opened in 2018.
This blend will be used as the primary ingredient for the store’s variety of coffee beverages and cocktails, offering a flavorful mix of red and black fruit, vanilla, and spice with a “smooth, chocolaty mouthfeel.”
Princi, the Italian artisanal bakery and cafe, will be offering food to compliment the roastery’s drink menu. They will offer a variety of focaccia and pizzas, freshly baked cornetti, as well as avocado toast, brioche, cakes, and tarts.
“Starbucks Reserve locations are designed to spotlight our exquisite Starbucks Reserve coffee and showcase our heritage, expertise, and dedication to coffee craft through interactive coffee experiences where barista craft is the cornerstone,” Mark Ring, senior vice president of U.S. retail at Starbucks, said.
“The Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building store is a one-of-a-kind destination that highlights our commitment to push the boundaries of coffee craft and offer our customers new, immersive and multi-sensory coffeehouses that are designed to inspire and create moments of connection in this special space.”
Located on the first floor is an area where customers can purchase merchandise made by local artists and browse through a collection of seasonally rotating Starbucks Reserve whole-bean coffee.
On the concourse level, there are a few opportunities for customers to learn more about the careful art of crafting Starbucks Reserve’s food and drink. Customers can get hands-on experience by attending a Starbucks Reserve Coffee Workshop, and taste test different coffees and foods in the Experience Lounge and Innovation Bar.
Starbucks Reserve Coffee Workshops will offer interactive, small-group lessons to those interested in learning more about coffee. These workshops are the first of their kind and include topics like Whiskey Barrel-Aged 101, Starbucks Reserve Brewtender for A Day, Espresso Martini Flight Fundamentals, and Fun with Sprit-Free Spritzes.
The second floor features a restaurant and bar where customers can enjoy Princi food, including signature tasting boards and plates, and entrees for brunch and lunch throughout the entire day. Every meal will begin with a complimentary sip tasting of the Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend.
Those interested in attending a workshop or trying out drinks at the Innovation Bar can purchase a ticket and make reservations here.
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All images courtesy of Matthew Glac
