Starbucks in the Village?

Has anyone heard the rumor that there is Starbucks going into the bottom floor of the new building in town? I keep hearing it and it seems odd that this has never been mentioned either in town meetings, through the village alliance or local news. 

Oy

"Starbucks in the Village" has been a rumor for a number of years.  With the now-certain construction of new retail space in the mixed-use building replacing the post office, that's the location for the latest rumor.

Here on MOL, for example, from February 5 - "I have it from an unimpeachable source that one of the five stores in the new building will be occupied by a Starbucks."

https://maplewood.worldwebs.com/forums/discussion/id/124242-Township-of-Maplewood-Considering-Purchase-of-Parking-Lot-Behind-Arturo-s-Village-Coffee?page=6#comment-3185052

The following day, the author of the post with the "unimpeachable source" reported -

"Latest information from a different source is now telling me that deal has fallen through and Starbucks has decided against occupying one of the stores."

https://maplewood.worldwebs.com/forums/discussion/id/124242-Township-of-Maplewood-Considering-Purchase-of-Parking-Lot-Behind-Arturo-s-Village-Coffee?page=7#comment-3185302

As something that doesn't seem to have ever left the rumor stage, I don't think it's surprising that one didn't see it mentioned in town meetings, through the village alliance or local news.

There is a Starbucks in Milburn and a Starbucks in South Orange. There is also a small, semi-real one, at Target.  We are surrounded by Starbucks so I doubt they would want another one so close.  Did'nt they close down some stores recently?

you don't hear about it at TC meetings because the final tenants are at the discretion of the building owner, within the parameters of the zoning.  The zoning does not preclude chains (tsk tsk) but does preclude fast food.

The tenants' fit out plans would need to go to the building department for review and approval before construction. and if there is any issue to zoning or planning board.

I also have been told that SBUX is a done deal (a few weeks ago) but haven't heard anything since.

EDITED  to fix crazy spell check errors

I have it from a reliable source that there will be a Starbucks in the Post House.  And if the presence of a Bank of America and a Wells Fargo hasn't disturbed the Norman Rockwell-ish charm of the village, a Starbucks certainly won't.

As for me, I'll still go to Village Coffee.  Even though I have the Starbucks app.

No need to get all salty with your Macchiato. I didn't read a thread about parking lots and think it would be about coffee

I too have heard this from many people who are very involved in the town. I am just surprised that this was not researched and reported on. If this was true the township would be able to verify or deny. Thats all. 

I think people should be more patient.  There are plenty of rumors about businesses that may open in the Post House, and from my POV, I wouldn't want to jinx anything or get my hopes up before every i is dotted and t crossed.  

Township avoids this site like the plague these days. 

ml1 said:

As for me, I'll still go to Village Coffee.  Even though I have the Starbucks app.

Same here.  I love Village Coffee, but I also go to Starbucks.  I hope it does not hurt Village Coffee, because I have lots of Starbucks I can go to, but only one Village Coffee (unless I want to drive to Metuchen). 

Are there 50 shades of Olive?

There really isn't any reason ever to patronize a Starbucks unless you are stuck in an airport.  Their coffee is just bad and their baked goods are worse.  The McDonalds of coffee.

Love the flat white.

really needed in the village.  Love their coffee.  There isn't a place to stop in later for coffee, a snack, etc.

Village coffee is really more of a diner, and not open late. They're not competitive 

Isn't McDonalds the McDonalds of coffee?

If we made the whole floor one big Starbucks, we could go in, get coffee, then sit there on couches all day reading or working or chatting with friends while watching the world go by. Just like some kind of living room, but open to the public.

Starbucks is changing their "reward" system. Used to be you got a freebie every 12th purchase.  Now it's every $63 (or every 25+ coffees.) :-(

I get that people love Starbucks. Its like "lovin it" at Mcd's fries. just to be clear. I don't hate or love the idea . 

But to say Starbucks is not fast food is just so wrong since fast food is what they are expanding on. 

http://www.fastfoodmenuprices.com/starbucks-prices/

http://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-is-expanding-the-lunch-menu-2015-8

OliveBee said:

you don't hear about it at TC meetings because the final tenants are at the discretion of the building owner, within the parameters of the zoning.  The zoning does not preclude chains (tsk tsk) but does preclude fast food.

Zoning that precludes fast food is aimed at the type of business.  Zoning that tried to preclude chain stores would be aimed at the ownership of the business, no matter whether the type of business would be otherwise allowed.

I would be surprised if there was any zoning anywhere which could restrict businesses owned as a chain or franchise vs. sole ownership.  So, I disagree that there should be a "tsk tsk" if Maplewood (or any other municipality) doesn't have zoning to preclude chains.  Not to mention the fact that there are "chains" in the Village, considering Kings and the banks.

valley_girl said:

Starbucks is changing their "reward" system. Used to be you got a freebie every 12th purchase.  Now it's every $63 (or every 25+ coffees.)

Depends on what you are buying. You get 2 pts every dollar spent. If you get a $5 frapp, it's still roughly the sme freebie every 12.

Baf if you get coffee only, good if there's food of some sort with it.

Then why have the village alliance? Just a thought. If there are no hard set rules? 

Not sure of your question.

ridski said:

If we made the whole floor one big Starbucks, we could go in, get coffee, then sit there on couches all day reading or working or chatting with friends while watching the world go by. Just like some kind of living room, but open to the public.

I see what you did there.

ctrzaska said:

ridski said:

If we made the whole floor one big Starbucks, we could go in, get coffee, then sit there on couches all day reading or working or chatting with friends while watching the world go by. Just like some kind of living room, but open to the public.

I see what you did there.

You only left out the part about the township also having the living room as a ratable. 

nohero said:

OliveBee said:

you don't hear about it at TC meetings because the final tenants are at the discretion of the building owner, within the parameters of the zoning.  The zoning does not preclude chains (tsk tsk) but does preclude fast food.

Zoning that precludes fast food is aimed at the type of business.  Zoning that tried to preclude chain stores would be aimed at the ownership of the business, no matter whether the type of business would be otherwise allowed.

I would be surprised if there was any zoning anywhere which could restrict businesses owned as a chain or franchise vs. sole ownership.  So, I disagree that there should be a "tsk tsk" if Maplewood (or any other municipality) doesn't have zoning to preclude chains.  Not to mention the fact that there are "chains" in the Village, considering Kings and the banks.

And Village Trattoria.

You won the Internet with that comment.

ridski said:

If we made the whole floor one big Starbucks, we could go in, get coffee, then sit there on couches all day reading or working or chatting with friends while watching the world go by. Just like some kind of living room, but open to the public.

definition of fast food is in town ordinance.  Doesn't rule out SBUX I believe  

I have zero problem with Starbucks opening in MW but will never myself set foot in the place. The best coffee in the Village currently is at Palmer's (the new place that just opened on Highland). Way above and beyond anything else available, IMO. The only other place that serves good-quality coffee is Able Baker, but they make it way too weak for my taste. Palmer's also has very good baked stuff. Highly recommend.