Starbucks, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, California

Inspired by the history of Hollywood, Starbucks has set up shop at Universal Boulevard, a new main street-styled retail destination at Universal Studios Hollywood.



The façade of the 5,000-sq.-ft. store is broken up into multiple buildings, as if it had originally been the site of several small shops. The interior is fashioned as one grand space. A banquette made of reclaimed black walnut wood curves like a siren’s tale, creating seating eddies.



Custom art installations weave in a sense of theater. The focal point is a mural that has the look of an old-time film projector and depicts a coffee roasting machine against the skyline of Los Angeles. Backlit glass above the bar gives the illusion of exterior factory windows looking out to the setting sun. At the end of the bar is a three-dimensional map of the world that illustrates where coffee is grown.



Designers chose a neutral color palate, while materials juxtapose the raw with the refined. Painted black steel amplifies the industrial nature of the building while brass fasteners add a sparkle and sophistication that harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s.



One last subtle nod to Starbucks’ signature siren can be found on the floor with a scalloped pattern on the polished concrete along the perimeter of the café and bar area.