<strong>Starbucks Milan: </strong>Starbucks has opened its first ever branch in Italy. The "Reserve Roastery" -- a premium version of the worldwide chain -- has caused a buzz in Milan, where coffee-drinking is an essential part of local culture.
Starbucks Milan: Starbucks has opened its first ever branch in Italy. The "Reserve Roastery" -- a premium version of the worldwide chain -- has caused a buzz in Milan, where coffee-drinking is an essential part of local culture.
Courtesy Starbucks
<strong>Elegant interior:</strong> The new Starbucks is located in an old post office. It's a stylish and elegant conversion, with marble countertops and cool, industrial decor.
Elegant interior: The new Starbucks is located in an old post office. It's a stylish and elegant conversion, with marble countertops and cool, industrial decor.
Courtesy Starbucks
<strong>Italian inspiration:</strong> The founder of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, says a 1983 trip to Milan helped shape his vision for the US coffee chain.
Italian inspiration: The founder of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, says a 1983 trip to Milan helped shape his vision for the US coffee chain.
Courtesy Starbucks
<strong>Local buzz:</strong> A launch party ahead of the Roastery's opening generated intense local interest, not least because of Italy's homegrown coffee traditions.
Local buzz: A launch party ahead of the Roastery's opening generated intense local interest, not least because of Italy's homegrown coffee traditions.
Courtesy Starbucks
<strong>Long bar:</strong> The Roastery, close to the La Scala opera house, features a 30-foot bar carved from a single block of Tuscan marble.
Long bar: The Roastery, close to the La Scala opera house, features a 30-foot bar carved from a single block of Tuscan marble.
Courtesy Starbucks
<strong>Premium product:</strong> The Milan outlet is the third "Reserve Roastery" after Seattle and Shanghai. Starbucks says it'll sell "premium, small batch" coffees and food by Italian baker Rocco Princi.
Premium product: The Milan outlet is the third "Reserve Roastery" after Seattle and Shanghai. Starbucks says it'll sell "premium, small batch" coffees and food by Italian baker Rocco Princi.
Courtesy Starbucks
<strong>Caffeinated prices:</strong> The drinks in Starbucks will cost more than those served from local Italian coffee bars. An espresso costs 1.80 euros ($2.10), much more than the one euro ($1.16) price at many Italian cafes.
Caffeinated prices: The drinks in Starbucks will cost more than those served from local Italian coffee bars. An espresso costs 1.80 euros ($2.10), much more than the one euro ($1.16) price at many Italian cafes.
Courtesy Starbucks
<strong>Lining up: </strong>The store's first day of opening to the public saw people lining up down the block to experience what Starbucks had to offer.
Lining up: The store's first day of opening to the public saw people lining up down the block to experience what Starbucks had to offer.
Luca Bruno/AP