A new Starbucks coffee shop opened July 21st in Williamsburg next to the Lorimer/Metropolitan subway stop. The Williamsburg residents appear to be on the fence about the coffee shop’s new location. There is a strong concern that the Starbucks will hinder local coffee shops’ business. Although the opening was well advertised weeks in advance, few people chose to stop into Starbucks for their morning coffee or later for their afternoon frappucino. The adjacent deli, however, continued doing business as usual by serving the breakfast crowd their coffee.
It could be difficult to open a large coffee chain outpost in a neighborhood surrounded by independent roasters and where the vibrant coffee culture is already very established. The Starbucks staff seem confident that the residents will eventually warm up to the coffee shop as the location is very convenient; aside from being across from the Metropolitan Avenue subway, where the shop will serve many commuters on the L and G trains, it is also surrounded by building complexes and condos.
Residents may be concerned that the new Starbucks in Williamsburg is another reminder of the accelerated rate gentrification in the neighborhood, but Starbucks is determined to continue providing a good customer experience and attract a local stable clientele. To read more about the views surrounding the new Starbucks opening, click here
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Given the apparent success of Dunkin’ on North 7th and Bedford, deeper into the hipster coffee culture, it’s just a matter of time before global chains become ubiquitous.