Starbucks is bringing something truly unique to South Texas, a 3D-printed store, the first of its kind for the coffee giant. Rather than opting for its usual brick-and-mortar format, the company is testing out cutting-edge construction technology in Brownsville, with the new location set to open its doors on 28th April.
Construction began in December 2024, with a local media outlet capturing early progress at the site. Unlike traditional Starbucks outlets, which typically range between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet, this new store will be more compact at 1,400 square feet. It’s designed exclusively for drive-thru and walk-up service, with no indoor seating. Details from the city’s building permit records confirm the absence of any dine-in area. The construction cost has been estimated at around $1.98 million by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The store Is being built using advanced 3D printing methods, reportedly involving PERI 3D Construction and a gantry-style printer made by COBOD, a major player in the 3D-printed building space. COBOD is known for its significant contributions to the field, including Europe’s first 3D-printed social housing project in Ireland.
The structure Is made from concrete, printed layer by layer directly on-site. Its exterior features distinctive ridged and grooved slabs, which not only add to the stability but also give it a modern aesthetic. Rounded corners further enhance its sleek and contemporary design.
This innovative Starbucks can be found at 2491 Boca Chica Boulevard in Brownsville. It’s positioned between Joyeria Golden Gate, a jewellery shop, and Lotus Café, a local Chinese restaurant. The concept arrives shortly after news of the world’s first 3D-printed hotel beginning construction in West Texas, marking another bold step in the state’s embrace of futuristic building technology.
