Starbucks Just Opened the World’s Largest Roastery in Chicago

Attention, caffeine addicts: Starbucks is launching a Venti-sized store in Chicago.

The coffee chain just opened the world’s largest Roastery, which is located in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile neighborhood. (It replaced what was formerly Crate and Barrel.)

The building is five stories tall and measures in at 35,000 square feet. For reference, the average free-standing Starbucks facility is about 1,500 square feet. NBD.

At the center of the Roastery is a 56-foot steel cask, which holds coffee beans. The unique design takes advantage of the building’s natural light. Oh, and did we mention it has a curved escalator, so customers can have a 360-degree view of the store?

According to CNN, the new Roastery is a tribute to the city of Chicago, which has nearly 800 Starbucks locations. While the company employs more than 18,000 Chicagoans, the Roastery itself opened up 200 jobs.

It’s important to point out that Roasteries aren’t like your typical Starbucks stores—they’re fancier. Not only are they designed to attract tourists, but they also feature extended menus, which include specialty coffees and teas, craft cocktails and substantial food. (Because a Bacon, Gouda and Egg Breakfast Sandwich can only go so far.)

This is Starbucks’ sixth Roastery. The new Chicago facility dethroned the Tokyo location, which previously held the record at 30,000 square feet.

Still, one question remains: Is the new Starbucks store a valid excuse to travel to Chicago? Asking for a friend…