Starbucks celebrated the opening of its 1,500th store in Latin America with its first coffee shop in Antigua Guatemala
May 2, 2022 starbucks announced the opening of its 1,500th store in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as its first coffee shop in the iconic city of Antigua Guatemala, which will be operated by its business partner, Premium Restaurants of America —PRA—. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of presence retail of Starbucks in the region, the store is designed to honor Antigua’s rich coffee heritage.
Michael Conway, president of the International and Channel Development group for Starbucks, mentioned: “Antigua has long been a pillar of the Starbucks coffee community and this recent opening is yet another example of our continued investment in the region in partnership with our ten authorized licensees, through the expansion of the number of stores, innovating and elevating the coffee experience for the thousands of customers we serve daily.”
Visually Impaired Photo Description: A colonial patio adorned with colorful tables and chairs, as well as plants and hanging lights. (Credit: Starbucks)
Starbucks has shared the best Guatemalan Arabica Coffee with millions of customers around the world since it was founded in 1971, working hand in hand with the country’s coffee communities for decades. The opening of the first Starbucks store in Antigua Guatemala reflects the company’s deep respect and admiration for its coffee, farmers and their communities. Starbucks’ close relationship with the town dates back more than 50 years and made Antigua the ideal place to celebrate the opening of its 1,500th store in the region.
The operations of retail of Starbucks in Guatemala began in 2011 in association with PRA, which currently operates company stores in Costa Rica, El Salvador and our country. Since then it has grown to 12 stores in the market, employing more than 200 collaborators in Guatemala, including 25 new employees in Antigua Guatemala.
Description of the photo for people with visual disabilities: Lobby of the place where you can see a wooden coffee bar and several customers buying. (Credit: Starbucks)
What you can’t miss about the new Starbucks store in Antigua Guatemala
Considering the richness of this UNESCO World Heritage Sitethe store was designed in collaboration with a variety of local artists and artisans to capture the warm and colorful artistic spirit that characterizes Antigua Guatemala.
The new store offers customers the high-quality Arabica coffee produced in Guatemala year-round, as well as a selection of coffees from around the world through Starbucks beverages hand-crafted by passionate partners and Starbucks baristas.
Description of the photo for visually impaired people: An ornament created with white, yellow, red, light blue, green and turquoise threads. (Credit: Starbucks)
1. Fall in love with Guatemalan folklore
The historic Starbucks Antigua building was beautifully restored with the guidance of William Porras of Tres Mas Uno Arquitectos, a firm specializing in preservation and restoration. The main hall is a unique work of art by the artist Daniela Rivas, showing the Volcán de Agua, an icon of the centennial city. Daniela’s second piece is located in the lounge and is made with a combination of cotton, clay and wood, representing the Guatemalan roots.
2. Fill yourself with happiness
The cafeteria features multiple murals by artist Álvaro Tzaj Yotz, highlighting the natural beauty of Antigua Guatemala and the generations of women in the coffee industry. Next to the main coffee bar is an impressive mural showing three women depicted as hummingbirds feeding a coffee tree and sharing its cherries. Try to find all the birds that Álvaro has hidden around the store, there are 50!
Description of the photo for the visually impaired: Artist poses in front of her mural of Guatemalan women with hummingbird heads in front of a volcano. (Credit: Starbucks)
3. Immerse yourself in a traditional Guatemalan patio
In the heart of the store, customers can gather on the patio to enjoy the hand made drinks. This space has another coffee bar, a large green wall designed by Hernán Perla of Ecojardines, full of abundant local plants. Two fountains preserved in the original building create a relaxing atmosphere, one of them featuring two sirens protruding from the wall, evoking the Starbucks brand icon.
Each element of the patio brings to life the beautiful work of local artists: hand-woven furniture by Lupita de Blanco of Dblanco, as well as handmade mosaic tables by Jorge Larios, concrete tables by Joan Lima and her team at Hortus, adorned with vibrant cushions by textile artisans Jackeline López and Danilo Bolbito from Museo Cada del Tejido Antiguo.
Visually Impaired Photo Description: Patrons enjoy drinks on a colonial patio, around an elegant fountain and adorning plants on a sunny day. (Credit: Starbucks)
4. Explore spaces that highlight local traditions
The new store features three meeting rooms, each with its own style highlighting local culture and traditions, and featuring handmade lamps by Megalamparas. Both the shared and community rooms have a captivating Photo gallery on the wall, captured by photographers Gerson Cifuentes, Selvin Rodríguez and Celia Talbot Tobin, celebrating the farms and the partnership between the Starbucks Foundation and Mercy Corps.
5. Enjoy Guatemalan woodwork
Intrinsic features of wood are found in every corner of this store. Artisan Hugo López handcrafted the ornamental wood details and furniture found throughout the store, including the impressive carved panels located on the front of the bar, as well as the moldings, the community table, consoles and benches. wood in the yard.
Visually Impaired Photo Description: Courtyard of Starbucks Antigua illuminated at night by hanging lights. (Credit: Starbucks)
The Starbucks Antigua store is located on 5th. avenue, House #15, Antigua Guatemala. Open from Sunday to Thursday, from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
