Starbucks sets opening date for its Reserve Roastery Chicago

Starbucks plans to open its four-story Reserve Roastery Chicago in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The Seattle coffee chain intends to open in the former Crate & Barrel space, 646 N. Michigan Ave., on Nov. 15.

The Reserve Roastery Chicago will be the largest of the company’s six specialty operations. Its other Reserve Roasteries are in Milan, New York, Seattle, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Starbucks described the Roastery as “an immersive experience dedicated to roasting and brewing small-batch Starbucks Reserve coffee from around the world.”

The project was unveiled in April 2017 and hailed as proof of the “changing face” of retailing.

Last year, Starbucks brought its standalone bakery, Princi, to Chicago’s West Loop. Starbucks invested in the bakery in 2016 and intends to open Princi bakeries all over the United States. Offerings include cornetti, brioche, focaccia, pizzas and desserts.