Starbucks announced the grand opening of its first 3D printed drive-thru, signaling a potential shift in how businesses launch new locations.
Starbucks announced the launch of its Brownsville, Texas location, saying its the “only Starbucks in the country” that is 3D printed.
Grand opening 4/28- The first 3d printed drive-thru – ONLY STARBUCKS IN THE COUNTRY is opening on April 28 right here in BROWNSVILLE!
@brownsvilletoday, April 15
FastCompany reports that Starbucks tapped Germany company PERI 3D Construction, and used a robotic printer to layer concrete in the 1,400-square-foot building.
Although 3D printing promises to open the door to faster and less-expensive buildings, it’s unclear if Starbucks saved any money with the process. FastCompany reports that the building likely cost around $1.2 million. While that figure comes in less than the normal $2 million for a traditionally-built restaurant, smaller-scale buildings, like drive-thrus, usually come out around $750,000. That means Starbucks 3D printed building may have come in at a higher price than a traditional building.
Ultimately, however, the cost of 3D printing will go down as the technology becomes more mainstream, meaning Starbucks could well be investing in its future.