TORONTO — Starbucks opened its first express store in Canada today in Toronto’s Union Station.
“Designed with the urban commuter in mind, the express store takes what is best about our cafés and refines it for faster service for our on-the-go customers,” says Rossann Williams, president, Starbucks Canada. “Express stores seamlessly integrate technology and efficiency into the customer experience, reducing the amount of time customers need to stand in line.”
The 400-sq.-ft. store is the third of its kind in the world — two New York locations opened early last year on Wall Street and the Empire State Building. Customers are greeted by a Starbucks employee who takes orders and sends them to the barista electronically. Menu options include brewed coffee, signature espresso beverages and a selection of popular food items including breakfast sandwiches.
“Express stores feature a walk-through experience with no seating. The open layout ensures Starbucks partners are at the heart of the experience, helping customers travel through the space seamlessly,” says Williams. “We carefully considered every component from a design and environmental perspective. Not only have we created something beautiful, we have built it to our green building LEED standards.”
