Starbucks opens first 3D-printed store
Starbucks is taking a bold leap into the future of architecture with the debut of its first-ever 3D-printed store in the United States. Set to open to the public on May 2 in Brownsville, Texas, the drive-thru-only location at 2491 Boca Chica Boulevard was built in partnership with PERI 3D Construction, a German-based firm known for pioneering advances in robotic building technologies.
The store is a striking blend of innovation and familiarity. While it features the recognizable green logo and color scheme Starbucks customers expect, its grooved, layered walls hint at the cutting-edge process used to create it. In a video shared by the brand on Instagram, a robotic arm is seen laying down layer after layer of concrete, constructing the building with the precision of a printer laying ink on paper.
“This is our first 3D printed store in the U.S.,” Starbucks captioned the announcement—one that signals more than just a new location; it’s a signal of what’s to come in both retail and construction.
The Technology Behind It
Dr. Adeola Olubamiji, a technologist and CEO of Pathfinder Consulting, explained the likely process behind the build. "You're building from scratch, from nothing, layer by layer," she said. Materials such as concrete or powder composites are fed into the printer, which then fuses each layer with heat, glue, or polymers—resulting in a structure that’s not only sound but rapidly assembled.
Olubamiji views this move as a landmark step toward the broader adoption of 3D printing in commercial construction. “This is one of the practical applications of 3D printing I’ve been hoping to see go mainstream,” she said. A major company like Starbucks embracing the technology could set a precedent for more businesses to follow.
What About Jobs?
While the technology raises questions about automation and its effect on labor, Olubamiji sees 3D printing as a tool that solves labor shortages rather than exacerbates them. “Yes, it replaces some traditional jobs,” she acknowledged, “but it also creates new ones—operators, material scientists, quality analysts. There’s an entire ecosystem emerging.”
Is It Safe and Sustainable?
Safety and sustainability remain core concerns for any new building method. Starbucks' structure, though printed, still adheres to strict building codes, Olubamiji emphasized. “A lot of simulations, a lot of calculations, and experimental data went into this. It’s definitely met all safety standards.”
On the environmental front, 3D printing has long been praised for its sustainability. But the use of concrete—a material known for its high CO₂ emissions—adds nuance to the conversation. “This is the borderline,” Olubamiji said. “Concrete is not ideal, but future iterations may incorporate recycled materials, like wood waste, which would make this approach truly eco-friendly.”
A Preview of the Future
With this 3D-printed drive-thru, Starbucks isn't just serving coffee—it's serving a bold vision for the future of architecture. Efficient, modular, and scalable, this new form of building could soon become a standard in the industry.
For now, the Brownsville location stands as a physical prototype of what’s possible when technological innovation meets global brands ready to push boundaries.
Would you be open to experiencing coffee from a 3D-printed store?
