Starbucks, Mexico Market FF&F Palette

Mexico City, Mexico

To make Starbucks cafés more locally relevant in Mexico and to better fuel the brand’s continued expansion there, Scott Mitchem led the development of a new FF&E palette for use by the LATAM design team.

Mr. Mitchem developed a concept inspired by Mexico’s famous coffee-growing regions and rich cultural heritage — but with a subtle modern edge. The list of collaborators reads like a Who’s Who of Mexican modern design: La Metropolitana, MOB, David Pompa, Le Porc Shop, Ariel Rojo, Ducolab, LCMX, and Lagos del Mundo — all created pieces that together elevated Starbucks store designs in the market.

The palette was fully tested beyond current BIFMA standards to ensure durability, and innovations in the local supply chain decreased costs and lead times.

Credits: Design Director, LATAM, Scott Mitchem; Concepts Design Manager/Program Manager Angelica Valencia; Supply Chain Specialist Ruth Stolk; photos courtesy of Starbucks; photo above, thumbnail by Scott Mitchem