Starbucks Goes Old School in New Orleans

Granted, I don't usually do an entry on one shop - but I just really think this Starbucks design is fantastic and worthy of noting!

Starbucks recently opened a new store in the historic  New Orleans French quarter, inspired by the city’s rich history as a coffee trading port and its unique artistic spirit. The store is the latest example of Starbucks ongoing approach to create locally relevant designs that honor the culture of the neighborhoods they serve.

For this new store on Canal Street, Starbucks designers went back in time, imagining what the space might look like if it had belonged to a Louisianan merchant in the early 1900s. The front room, where the merchant would have worked, features floor-to-ceiling shelves behind a large coffee bar, designed to resemble an old-fashioned apothecary store. Local sculptor David Borgerding built chandeliers from old wrought iron gates to honor the city's mercantile roots.

Another local artist Jason Horton created paintings of coffee beans on small block canvases that are on the shelves. Cherrylion  Studios worked on the 12 block paintings above the bar to showcase the story of coffee from bean to cup, complimenting the special limited edition Starbucks Reserve coffees available at this location.

 

In contrast, the back room of the store was designed to look like the merchant’s living space, offering a much more relaxed atmosphere. Vintage schoolhouse chairs around a 12 foot community table made from wind-fallen trees offer customers a comfortable place to work or connect with each other. 

A large mural in the back, by Atlanta-based artist Tommy Taylor, references the Starbucks siren and New Orleans’ shipping heritage. Hanging above the table is another statement chandelier by Borgerding, built with vintage horn instruments to recognize the city’s strong jazz roots.

  

I really love it when international corporations take the time, effort, investment, and sensitivity to make their branches fit into an area's aesthetics and history. Not to mention, I want to sit there and drink my Vente-Medium-Roast-with-Hazelnut-and-Vanilla Syrups and skinny milk while reading a delicious trashy new novel!

Now - go make something beautiful!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥