Starbucks Opens at Crown Center, Third Downtown Location

Crown Center has opened its first full-service Starbucks, answering a question that’s been on the minds of many patrons to downtown’s only shopping center over the years.

“This is a brand that a lot of our visitors both national and local ask for a lot,” said Anne Deuschle, Crown Center marketing manager. “We’re excited to have it front and center on our first level.”

The new 2,216 square-foot Starbucks opened last week. It’s being managed by PB&J Restaurants, the same organization that opened the new Burnt End BBQ last winter. Both the barbecue joint and coffee shop are located in the high-profile space that was once home to Milano’s.

“It’s a great fresh look for Crown Center, right up front with beautiful glass windows,” said Patrick Khoury of PB&J. “We like the space being at the front entrance with all the natural light.”

Khoury said the new Starbucks should do well at Crown Center, noting the shopping center lacked a full-service coffee place and is close to office buildings, hotels and all the healthcare employees at Hospital Hill.

The patio at the Crown Center Starbucks seats about 20.

“The feedback has been great, and although it’s an interesting time to open, we’ve already had good traffic,” he said.

The new Starbucks is accessible from inside and outside the Crown Center Shops. It also has an outdoor seating area that ultimately accommodate 20 people. There’s also four short-term parking spaces in front to allow people to pull up and pick up their drinks.

The operation will feature the full line of Starbucks drinks and food items. Hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

This is downtown’s third full-service Starbucks, the others are at 1100 Main and 1571 Main.

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