Starbucks to unveil a surprising, first-of-its-kind store

Dr. Hideo Kodama first attempted 3D printing in the 1980s when he developed a non-commercial rapid prototyping machine. This printer-like machine creates three-dimensional objects by printing individual layers of material and stacking them to create a solid object.

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It wasn’t until six years later that Chuck Hull filed the stereolithography (SLA) patent, creating the first commercially available 3D printer.

Related: Starbucks CEO announces new requirement for workers

Since then, many others have refined different types of 3D printers, making them  faster and testing their ability to produce bigger, more sturdy objects using diverse materials.

Starbucks leans on innovation to boost growth

To keep up with growing retail competition, it is key to remain relevant to the consumer. Businesses from all market sectors have begun investing in innovation and creating specialized teams to help them stand out from the rest.

Starbucks  (SBUX)  is among the biggest companies using innovation to capture consumers’ attention and boost growth. For years, the coffee chain giant has made it a tradition to launch seasonal menu items and merchandise that often go viral. 

Related: Starbucks makes shocking pricing move customers will love

However, over the last few quarters, Starbucks has struggled with continuous sales declines and slower store traffic. 

To combat these slumps, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol developed a turnaround strategy that aims to improve customers’ overall experience. One of the many targets is redesigning stores. 

In addition to reintroducing condiment bars after being banished during the pandemic, returning ceramic mugs for in-house sipping, and bringing back handwritten notes on to-go cups and bags to foster better customer connections, Starbucks stated it would close underperforming shops. It also plans to invest in building new locations and revamping old ones to make them more welcoming and cozy, encouraging customers to stay longer.

Starbucks to open its first-ever 3D-printed café in the US

Starbucks is opening its first-ever 3D-printed location in Brownsville, Texas, at 2491 Boca Chica Blvd. This buidling is made with concrete printed by a 3D-printing machine.

Although Niccol has stated his goal to increase in-store foot traffic, this café is only 1,400 square feet, much smaller than a typical full-size location, which is about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.

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The new 3D-printed Starbucks will have a walk-up mobile order pickup and a drive-thru, yet no indoor seating or in-café service, according to the permits filed with the city.

Construction began at the end of last year, and after a few months, it is now almost complete. Starbucks has not announced an official opening date, but Brownsville Today reported it will open on April 28.

This opening date seems very probable, since Starbucks has already begun hiring for staff, making job posts on its careers website.

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