Starbucks opened today the first of at least three standalone Princi bakeries planned for the U.S.  

The Princi bakery and cafe, located in Seattle’s Westlake neighborhood, is part of Starbucks’ effort to develop premium stores around the world. Currently, Princi’s baked goods are found at Starbucks Roastery and Reserve stores. But today marks the first standalone Princi retail location to open in the U.S.  It joins other Princi locations operating internationally in Milan and the United Kingdom.

The bakeries are 24-hour operations offering light breakfasts made from baked goods prepared in a beechwood-fired oven.

“With fresh baking on-site, this new space puts craftsmanship on full display while presenting customers with a uniquely Milanese bakery experience,” Starbucks said in a statement.

The Princi bakery is part of the company’s Siren Retail programming, a plan to open hundreds of premium cafes around the world including Reserve Roastery and Reserve stores, as well as Starbucks cafes with a Reserve coffee bar. The company plans to open up to 1,000 Reserve stores worldwide.

The Seattle bakery joins other Princi locations operating internationally in Milan and the United Kingdom.

Other Princi standalone bakeries are planned for Chicago and New York; Starbucks also plans to open Roastery stores in Milan and New York this fall; Roastery locations in Chicago and Tokyo will open in 2019. 

Rocco Princi opened the first Princi bakery in Milan in 1986. The bakeries are 24-hour operations offering light breakfasts made from baked goods prepared in a beechwood-fired oven. In 2016, Starbucks struck a deal with Princi to bring the brand’s signature artisanal baked goods to all new Starbucks Roastery and Reserve locations.  

Rocco Princi opened the first Princi bakery in Milan in 1986.

Contact Nancy Luna at [email protected] 

Follow her on Twitter: @FastFoodMaven