Friends of mine have often wondered when Starbucks would come to East Boston, debating the meaning of the ubiquitous coffee chain's arrival in our decidedly blue-collar neighborhood. Well, it seems as though the wait is over.The international java giant is in the process of opening a site at the Honey Dew Donut shop on McClellan Highway, a spot that would include a drive-through window. True, this location wouldn't be typical for Starbucks, which often positions itself in high-foot traffic areas, but I don't see Meridian or Bennington streets as optimal locations for the company. Plus, where in Eastie could they set up shop and not be 20 feet from a Dunkin' Donuts? It seems that out on the highway, with most patrons remaining in their vehicles, makes the most sense.
According to a notice forwarded to me by Joe Mason, there is a Zoning Board of Appeal hearing on Starbucks (in tandem with the Logan Chautaqua Corp., which is apparently a group in a licensing agreement with the coffee chain) at 9:30 a.m. on November 27 at City Hall.
10 comments:
It does seem like an odd spot, but I do a lot of traveling and I see Starbuck's along a lot of major and minor highways. According to a student at Salem State who's looked at this, Starbuck's are more likely to be found near primary roadways (like highways), and Dunkin Donuts near secondary roadways (like Meridian Street). I was in CT just yesterday and happened upon a Starbuck's pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but conveniently right on a minor highway. I imagine that they are trying to get the airport traffic, as well as the commuters trying to get through the tunnels. Could be a problem if they get too popular. Traffic on 1A is already really bad in the morning.
East Boston Rules
Says Thanks to Jimbo
As I have said many times before there is a place for these kinds of high destination traffic places.
This is proof positive that at least "some" of the higher up executives actually listen to our community.
Jimbo is correct,it would not be good on Meridian,or Bennington,and esp. Maverick Square.
Although I am not a betting man ,odds are that most of the clients "will not " be Eastie residents.
At about 3.50 to 5.00 a coffee,its a bit over priced for our demographics.
They will be people who never even notice Eastie on thier way to the Airport,or Boston.
I wish them the best,and Thank them for not being a bully type company,and forcing thier way in.
God Bless!
J.M.
I am actually totally fine without a Starbucks in my neighborhood, hence, if they want to be out on the highway, more power to them.
and I agree, this is a good spot for people going to and from the airpot.
J.M.--Starbucks coffee costs about $2 a cup. Just like Dunkin' Donuts.
The idea out that a cup of coffee there costs some ridiculous amount of money is not entirely true. The espressos, lattes, and other specialized drinks are upwards of $3 a cup (depending on size). However, a cup of regular Starbuck's coffee costs about the same to 50 cents more than a cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee. A look at a receipt from a couple of days ago, I paid $1.85 for a medium regular coffee at Starbucks. The Dunkin Donuts at Maverick Square charges $1.52 for a small.
Again, I generally don't drink the stuff except when I'm on the road (I prefer their teas over the coffee) but if you are going to be opposed to Starbucks, it should be based on facts and the foreseeable impact it's siting will have on the community.
WOW
I guess I dont see what I actually post.
Who ever said the word opposed?
NO ONE ,DUH!
If you want to make it personal ,you are barking up the wrong pants leg.
Quote "I said I wish them the best,and Thank them for not being a bully type company,and forcing thier way in". closed quote.
NSTAR / ESTRELLA,I know exactly who you are now,and you can continue to try ,and use me for your ridiculous attitude of thinking that this blog is a court room.
You thrive on abusing other peoples comments for your own selfish reasons,whatever they may be.
You continue to interject conflict,instead of just speaking about what is actually written.
Good Luck in your self satisfying quest to satisfy yourself.
No one used the word opposed as of 11-06-07 at 7:21 p.m.
Your own post says up to 3.00 a cup.
Wishing someone Luck is not being opposed.
Wake up ,and smell the coffeee.
J.M.
Hello to
"ME"
Thanks for reading with understanding !
P.S.Great Smile !!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm up for a Starbucks Drive-thru anywhere. As long as I don't have to get out of my car when it's 30 below 0..I'm fine.
Mr. Mason,
I did not mean to imply or assert that you are opposed to Starbucks, but the general opposition to Starbucks based on the price of its coffee.
However, if I were to make a comment directed at you in regard to the assertion that the price of coffee at Starbucks is "over priced for [East Boston] demographics", I would say that you should get your facts right before asserting what residents of this community can or cannot afford. If a cup of regular coffee at Starbucks is roughly the same as Dunkin Donuts, then East Boston residents could just as easily afford to patronize the place.
The more important question is not whether Eastie residents can afford Starbucks coffee but what impact the store would have on East Boston. I'm interested in the impact on traffic in that area as well as what jobs would be available for residents. Starbucks actually offers better benefits to its employees than Dunkin Donuts. In fact, Dunkin Donuts has the distinction of being among the top ten or fifteen employers whose employees are on Medicaid or use the state's free care pool.
To Starluna
Blah,Blah Blah Blah!
Its a Blog ,not a Court room !
J.M.
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