The first Starbucks opened in Williamsburg a few months ago and was met with a less than welcoming crowd. Starbucks now opened a second Starbucks Coffee Shop and is making an effort to try and make the outpost blend in with the feel of the neighborhood. This Starbucks location has exposed brick and a large communal table that is intended to be used for coffee seminars. In another effort to fit in with the Williamsburg scene, this Starbucks will host local music bands and showcase artwork from neighborhood artists.
Williamsburg is not the only market where Starbucks is attempting to variegate appearance and activities, they are also experimenting with this in a few other markets. This location also had high hopes to sell wine and beer, however a 500 person petition from local businesses and residents forced a no vote from the Community Board. The decision remains in the hands of the SLA which has yet to make a final decision. The owner and manager of the neighboring The West coffee house took it upon themselves to collect the signatures for the petition. Owner Esther Bell stated, “”They have 255 locations in Manhattan right now, and we would be setting the precedent that Starbucks will not only keep opening up in Brooklyn, block by block, but now take a vital revenue stream from small business. As you know, most restaurants can’t survive without alcohol.”
To read more about the opening of the new Williamsburg Starbucks location, click here. The Starbucks is located near the L train Bedford Stop at 154 North 7th Street, Williamsburg.
paigepapers.com 