by Audrey Griffith
Staff Writer
With the grand opening of the new drive-thru Starbucks coffee shop scheduled for Jan. 6, this popular coffee shop will be sure to attract customers from La Verne as well as its surrounding cities.
Since Starbucks is growing so rapidly, it was only natural to offer a drive-thru option for the customers in a hurry on their way to school or work. Currently, the only other drive-thru Starbucks in Southern California are in Los Angeles, Palm Springs and San Diego.
The new La Verne Starbucks manager, Nicole Bembry, will transfer from the Covina Starbucks in the Eastland Shopping Center. “I was chosen because I’ve been working for Starbucks for two years and I worked in a drive-thru in Seattle for three years.”
Bembry was the only one willing to leave the store. “Most managers are comfortable where they are at and they don’t want to change. This could be good for my career,” she said.
“The only competition, I believe, will be the Bagelry and Kelly’s Coffee and Fudge,” said Bembry.
Junior Stephanie Rose said, “I can’t wait for the new Starbucks to open up. I will definitely start going there. I love their coffees. It will be popular among the students. A drive-thru is a great idea.”
Freshman Kim Scott said, “I will still go to the Bagelry because I love their bagels.”
Bagelry manager Cristal Kehler said, “We aren’t worried about Starbucks. We haven’t really talked about it but I don’t think its going to really affect our business. I mean, our bagels are cheaper, we have more variety, and our coffees are good. It will all come down to our loyal customers.”
Kelly’s Coffee and Fudge manager Judy Quintero agreed.
“We have our regular customers. The only customers Starbucks may take are the ones who don’t know we are here,” said Quintero.
“I have talked to the local merchants, like the bank and Togo’s. They are all excited and can’t wait for our opening,” said Bembry.
Audrey Jean Griffith
