Thirty-three years after his initial visit to Milan, chairman, and CEO Howard Schultz returns to Italy to announce Starbucks debut in the market that inspired its creation.

Starbucks Coffee Company announced opening the first Starbucks store in Italy. Percassi confirmed as Starbucks sole licensee in Italy will own and operate Starbucks stores, with the first store opening in Milan at the end of 2018.

Starbucks and Percassi share the same values and commitment in offering opportunities, including work to young people, and the Italian community. Starbucks will be alongside Percassi in supporting projects that have been identified as deserving of development on a local level, as they already do abroad with other local partners.