First Look: Starbucks does Vegas — with stadium seating

Starbucks is giving customers a front row seat on the famed Las Vegas Strip.



The coffee giant has opened a 3,200-sq.-ft. location in Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s Casino complex. The store is unusual in that, instead of the typical tables with chairs, it offers theatrical stadium seating (for 30 to 40 people) in the center of the store and surrounding bench seating.



“This is a unique seating experience tailored to the idea of theater,” said Starbucks store designer Erich Mele. “Customers can enjoy the tiered spaces on either side of the grandstand seating, which organizes the space architecturally while providing great views to the theater of our coffee bar or to that of the bazaar beyond.”



The store features a warm color palate and architectural elements made from walnut wood, black steel, concrete and glass. Curated artwork and images and video projected on a 150-square-foot movie screen tell the story of Starbucks coffee from bean to cup. Even the grandstand seating feature was inspired by the terraces found in many of coffee-growing landscapes.



EXTERIOR: In contrast with the relaxed look of the interior, the exterior features a modern, undulating covering in vivid colors. After nightfall, the design element comes alive with white flashes of light choreographed to modern pop music during the Grand Bazaar’s nightly light show.



“Las Vegas brings in people from all over the world who are eager for theatrical experiences,” Mele said. “Here they can sit back and enjoy the activity both inside and outside the café while being entertained through the lens of coffee."