500 candidates selected to participate in Milan recruitment event

Over 300 total new jobs to be created in Milan, including future Starbucks stores with Percassi in 2018

Milan, ITALY; March 7, 2018 – Today Starbucks hosted a recruitment event at La Permanente on Via Turati, inviting 500 candidates, carefully selected as potential new partners (employees) for the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan, opening in autumn. Since its careers website launched on 2nd February, Starbucks received over 5000 job applications for around 150 roles at the new Roastery location. The majority are full-time, permanent contracts, with special benefits including shares in the company with ‘bean stock’ – restricted stock units (RSUs).

At the recruitment event, Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa president Martin Brok talked about the pivotal role Starbucks partners will have in bringing the unique Starbucks experience to life at its first location in Italy. He said “it was over 35 years ago that our executive chairman, Howard Schultz experienced the magic of Milanese coffeehouses and wanted to bring back that feeling of community to Starbucks stores around the world, which is why people have always been so important to our company. Today we are sharing our passion with this new group of partner candidates, and those who are hired will be at the forefront of delivering this magic for our new Italian customers.”

At the event, as well as participate in interviews, the candidates also had the opportunity to speak to current Starbucks partners about their experience working for the company and learn about the heritage of the business since the first Starbucks store opened in Seattle in 1971. Baristas were also serving the unique range of Starbucks Reserve coffees, via unique brewing methods, showcasing the range of coffees which will be available at the new Roastery. Starbucks is working with Italian licensee and business partner Percassi for the talent recruitment for Starbucks stores opening in Milan in late 2018. There will also be roles recruited for world-class Princi bakers, Starbucks exclusive food partner for all Roastery locations. By the end of 2018 over 300 new job opportunities will have been created in Milan.

Giampaolo Grossi, General Manager for Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan, said at the event: “From thousands of applications, we are excited to welcome such enthusiastic candidates here today. Starbucks has a long-standing tradition of investing in people and creating lasting career opportunities. Alongside passion for barista mastery and coffee skills, we’re also looking for great personality, knowledge and attitude. Today is about celebrating this next critical step in our journey to opening with our future team.”