After 25,000 Stores in 78 Countries, Starbucks Turns to Italy

Company to open first location in Milan, where it will forgo Frappuccinos and focus on espresso, pizza and made-to-order ice cream

MILAN—Starbucks Corp. opens a coffee shop on average every four hours somewhere in the world. But this store is different. It is in Italy.

On Friday, the Seattle-based chain will start selling its American take on coffee in the home of espresso. After amassing more than 25,000 coffee shops in 78 countries, Starbucks is coming to Milan with a “reserve roastery” in a converted post office on a central square near the city’s famous Gothic cathedral.

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