The first 3D-printed Starbucks in the US opened near SpaceX’s Starbase launch facility in Brownsville, Texas, at 2491 Boca Chica Boulevard. This is a 1,400-square-foot, drive-thru and walk-up-only location with no indoor seating. Why? It’s designed for quick service, catering to the area’s growing traffic near the base.
Created using 3D concrete printing technology by PERI 3D Construction and COBOD International with a BOD2 printer, the project cost around $1.98 million. The concrete walls show a unique layered pattern, highlighting the 3D printing method. Construction kicked off around December 2024 and was done in time for the spring opening.
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The simple design focuses on being fast and easy, with two shaded drive-thru lanes and a walk-up window. It’s smaller than most Starbucks shops (1,500–2,000 sq. ft.) and fits the area’s techy feel, being so close to SpaceX’s rocket test site.
The store’s standard boxy shape has gotten mixed opinions. Some, like industry expert Rajeev Kulkarni, called it a “missed chance” for not exploring 3D printing’s creative side, saying a more unique or eye-catching design could’ve been a standout. Others think it’s a smart move for making 3D printing more common in businesses.
This isn’t Starbucks’ first try with 3D printing—they used it before for a Teavana Bar in their Shanghai Reserve Roastery. But the Brownsville store is a big deal as the first fully 3D-printed Starbucks building, and it’s part of a growing trend of 3D-printed projects in Texas, like ICON’s work near Austin.
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