TORONTO — Starbucks has opened its third Canadian Reserve Bar location in Toronto at CF Shops at Don Mills.
The Starbucks Reserve Bar is an interactive space that spotlights the craft of making coffee. The 3,200-sq.-ft. store is nearly two and a half times larger than the average Starbucks store. It’s one of only three Reserve Bars in Canada, the first of its kind in Toronto and one of only a handful in the world.
“We know our customers are more curious about coffee than ever before and this new experience places coffee craft at the centre of the conversation,” says Rossann Williams, president, Starbucks Canada. “We are thrilled to offer our customers an elevated and immersive experience where they can share in our partners’ (employees) passion and expertise.”
Reserve Bar offerings go beyond that of a traditional Starbucks location, including rare, small-lot Starbucks Reserve coffees roasted at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle and exclusive beverages such as the Nitro Dirty Chai ($6/12oz) and the Origin Flight guided coffee tasting ($10 for three 8oz coffees).
The concept also offers a variety of brewing methods, including the Modbar (a first for Starbucks in Canada), a manual Black Eagle espresso machine, Clover brewing system, Chemex brewer and Nitro Cold Brew taps. All baristas at the Starbucks Reserve Bar are Coffee Masters or currently working on their designation.
The location’s design is inspired by that of the flagship Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle. The space features a central bar — finished in walnut wood, punctuated by a large copper light installation.
“When you enter the space, the first thing you see is the Starbucks Reserve coffee bar. It’s a stage for the baristas to interact with coffee-loving customers,” says senior designer Erich Mele.
