3D-printed Starbucks opens in Texas

The innovative project began in late 2024, and although Starbucks officially only announced that the new unit would open “soon,” according to local Brownsville Today, the store could begin operations on April 28. The cost of the cafe is estimated at around $1.2 million, according to a 2023 government permit document.

The construction was managed by German company Peri 3D Construction, which used a Cobod BOD2 3D printer for the work. The high-performance machine installed on site used a cement-like mixture to form the outer frame of the building, layer by layer, according to the provided blueprints.

Once the printing process was complete, windows were installed in the traditional way, a veranda was built, and all the interior design was completed to transform the concrete frame into a full-fledged coffee shop. The new Starbucks unit is relatively small, measuring just 130 square meters, and will primarily specialize in takeout and drive-thru service – not focused on on-site consumption.

The Brownsville store is not only another testament to Starbucks’ innovation efforts, but also a spectacular example of the application of 3D printing technology in the construction industry.