West Seattle beverage news: Another Junction Starbucks outlet

Driving past Capco Plaza – the soon-to-open mixed-use building in The Junction at 42nd/Alaska/41st – we spotted a Starbucks sign just inside its southeastern doors. The site is still fenced off, so even when we walked up to take the photo you see above, it wasn’t close enough to figure out whether it’s part of the QFC (which is targeting 9/16 for opening) or a free-standing ministore in the lobby of the building, which will include other retail as well as Altamira Luxury Apartments (so far, the only announced tenant besides QFC and Office Depot has been Desert Sun Tanning). We have inquiries out, to owner/developer Leon Capelouto and to Starbucks. The sighting is notable because there’s already a Starbucks stand inside the nearby Jefferson Square Safeway and because Starbucks opened — then, after a year, closed — a freestanding store on the north end of Jefferson Square (that space is currently advertised as available for lease) – plus of course there’s a multiplicity of other coffee venues within a matter of blocks. ADDED 4:13 PM: Just heard back from building owner Capelouto. He says that’s a freestanding Starbucks kiosk right inside the 42nd/Alaska corner door.

johnnyblegs September 4, 2009 (4:28 pm)

That makes sense. There’s a star$ in every QFC I’ve been it. There’s also one in the Safeway across the street.

seven September 4, 2009 (4:46 pm)

another reason not to patronize qfc

FoxyDiamond September 4, 2009 (4:51 pm)

Do I dare? Yea, I gotta know, why is a Starbucks a reason not to patronize QFC? Think what you will about Starbucks, but had it not been for them you most likely wouldn’t have the indie shops that are around.No matter what you may believe about Starbucks they do some great things for coffee producing countries!

seven September 4, 2009 (5:07 pm)

Do I dare respond as my response will have most likely been dismissed before its even posted? Why not!

Their coffee is horrible. More workers at wal-mart have health insurance than the folks at starbucks. They are well known union busters and a stalwart of gentrification.

There were plenty of indy shops around before starbucks and if it weren’t for starbucks we’d probably have a lot more. I will concede however that the rise and proliferation of starbucks might have inspired some small indy’s to compete with them I think that’s unlikely but it is still a fair argument.

They may do some good things for coffee producing countries but they do a number of bad things as well. No matter what you believe about starbucks they do some really bad things to the world.

Not patronizing qfc because of a starbucks isn’t fair though, probably. I’ll take that back.

Leroniusmonkfish September 4, 2009 (5:38 pm)

Wasn’t it the owner of StarButts that sold the Sonics? Maybe Skyelar can get a barista position and sell “Wanted” t-shirts with his pic on the front?

EdChurch September 4, 2009 (5:42 pm)

I can’t wait to get a grande drip from Starbucks just before I do all of my shopping–all inside the new QFC!

jeff September 4, 2009 (6:00 pm)

I will concede however that the rise and proliferation of starbucks might have inspired some small indy’s to compete with them I think that’s unlikely but it is still a fair argument.

Starbucks whipped up the large-scale market for upscale coffee products almost out of thin air.

Many people, like me, were first exposed to such product by Starbucks while working in an office building, and then sought out better, more local stuff.

So even if you don’t like their product (and I don’t) and you like local shops (and I’m the debit-card-verified highest spending customer at my local shop of choice) you have to acknowledge that SBUX played a positive role in creating the market that resulted in the existence of said local joint.

Leroniusmonkfish September 4, 2009 (6:12 pm)

McCafe is where it’s at and so Indy…how about a quality tea shop?

christopherboffoli September 4, 2009 (6:22 pm)

A Stumptown in West Seattle would have been nicer. Or maybe even a Peets.

glendafrench September 4, 2009 (6:24 pm)

I don’t have a problem with Starbucks – but I won’t patronize QFC because it’s QFC. Safeway quality food at higher than Metropolitan Market prices. Every time I’ve shopped at QFC I’ve been disappointed by their selection and shocked at my total bill at the end – this was proven in a survey by Puget Sound consumer magazine, BTW. That doesn’t mean I won’t go in the store to check it out when it’s done, but I don’t think it will be a regular buying haunt.

Leroniusmonkfish September 4, 2009 (6:33 pm)

How many grocery stores does WS need? And how many of the current stores buy locally?

BarbG September 4, 2009 (6:53 pm)

maybe if land and rent weren’t so expensive in WS then you all could get your precious “indy” places. But isn’t that the reason a lot of places are leaving WS?

old timer September 4, 2009 (7:03 pm)

It will be great to have another grocery within walking distance.

David September 4, 2009 (7:16 pm)

Starbucks’ coffee is terrible? Their coffee is fine. Maybe it’s not the best, but it’s certainly not terrible. Honesty, I think some of these goofy liberals around here would hate any business that makes a profit.

changingtimes September 4, 2009 (7:24 pm)

i <3 qfc for there tex-mex dip alone…they are part of the fred meyer chain so i think there prices are a ok they are a cut above safeway in my opinion….i hope an alaska credit union is comming to the junction store!!!

JanS September 4, 2009 (7:44 pm)

Liking the taste of Starbucks, or not liking it, has absolutely nothing to do with political leanings, for g-d’s sake. Who are you people who keep inserting “liberal” into something, whene there’s a disagreement in taste. ? Honestly, are people in my community really that ignorant?

we all have different taste buds. I don’t drink coffee very much, and when I do, I make it at home. I go to neither Starbucks nor the “indy’s”. I simply prefer to not spend my hard earned money that way. I don’t sit here saying that “you conservatives” sure do like to waste your money supporting these companies that put profit first.. It’s assinine. Either you like the taste or you don’t.

Rick September 4, 2009 (7:46 pm)

Starbucks/terrible/fine/not the best/not terrible/goofy liberals/hate? A perfectly logical line of reasoning….for some.

JanS September 4, 2009 (7:55 pm)

BarbG..what places are leaving West Seattle for better climes…? We have businesses closing, like Ama Ama, Beato…we’re in a recession, and it’s more about that, IMO. Or Georgia Blu’s…she wants to spend more time with her family. I still see the indy coffee places doing just fine…Uptown, Freshy’s, Hotwire…many more…

Jose September 4, 2009 (8:01 pm)

Thank you, David, for being a voice of reason in a storm of corporate hate.
I’m sick to death of the faux-hip, anti-Starbucks Snobistocracy in this town; Starbucks is still a local company, employing thousands here and tens of thousands worldwide.
Don’t dare minimize the importance of a dedicated employer in times like these.
And their coffee? Their drip or press is just fine – my favorite, in fact, and I have several of their varietals at home. It’s readily available most places I go, anywhere in the country, and it’s consistently good everywhere.
And I’m smart enough that when I want an espresso drink I go to C&P (the BEST!) or another of our fine local indies.
So quit your whining, wannabe hippies. Go where you want and spend your money as you see fit, but keep your prissy, unwarranted BS about a little local outfit that made good to yourselves.

BarbG September 4, 2009 (8:15 pm)

JanS, you are right, I am wrong, no one closed because WS rents are too high, they all closed for other reasons.

JanS September 4, 2009 (8:33 pm)

BarbG, I never, ever said that you were wrong. You may be right. My opinion is just that I also think the recession has something to do with some businesses closing. They have closed, they haven’t moved. But I could also be wrong. And I don’t disagree that the rents in some places, especially the junction, are too high. I used to have an office there. I now work at home. But there are many thriving busnesses there despite the high rent.

Jose…such vitriol..wannabe hippies? seriously? Because someone feels differently than another, why does it have to deteriorate in name-calling. If someone wants to boycott a company because they disagree with policies, that’s their right, their money. You’ve never, ever boycotted anything in your life?

I simply am not fond of the taste of Starbux…to me it’s over-roasted, and tastes burnt. When my sister in Massachusetts was alive, I would send her S’bux all the time, because she just loved it. I didn’t think any less of her because of it…we just had different tastes. Geez, it’s just coffee…wow…

wseye September 4, 2009 (9:03 pm)

I have no problem with Starbucks, but I think the fact that a large national chain, albeit a local one, is moving in points to a sad future for the Junction. As higher density projects get built in the Junction, they will require the higher rents and financial stability that come with national chains. Expect to see the GAP on the corner of Alaska and California some day. And that will be a sad day indeed.

bridge to somewhere September 4, 2009 (10:04 pm)

Sbux tastes gross. Bitter. Clever marketing though – smart folks work there. I won’t drink the stuff though. And ya, I am liberal.

seven September 4, 2009 (10:31 pm)

No way jose! I won’t keep my comments to myself. You can avoid reading them though by closing your eyes. You might already be pretty good at that it seems.

Dedicated employer? Maybe if you work at corporate HQ. Otherwise being a barista for sbucks sucks. Dedicated my tush.

WSB September 4, 2009 (10:41 pm)

Civility please, folks. You can debate the merits of coffee without insulting each other.
.
Regardless of how you regard it now, SBUX once indeed WAS an/the indie … first time I ever had espresso was coming to the Northwest as a tourist in the late ’80s (can’t remember any more if it was a Portland store during my ’89 visit there or Seattle during ’88 visit here) … also loved the drip blend they used to have that was simply “Java” … not Arabian Mocha Java … the other kind. Still miss that.
.
Companies can and do grow. For the purposes of this story, we just thought it was fascinating not only that this was so close to what is in place now, SBUX and non-SBUX, but also that it’s opening less than a year after the closure of the steps-away store that was open barely a year.
.
But there are many places with Starbucks stores across the street from each other … we were in Vancouver, B.C., a couple weeks ago and walked by one such corner on Robson, which we know has had those “neighboring” stores forever.
.
TR

R Olson September 4, 2009 (11:11 pm)

Oh no, Starbucks is coming to the Junction. Everyone run for cover from the corporate coffee drone. People, its a coffee stand, in a grocery store, how simple can that get. Nobody is saying, you can’t still go to your favorite indie coffee place, go for it. This conversation is a waste of time!

Leroniusmonkfish September 4, 2009 (11:43 pm)

StarButts has laid off thousands of workers in 09 both at corp and store and can’t even match 401k retirement plans for existing employees? Yet it will continue to open up new stores less than a 100 yards from each other. They will evaporate before you know it. Shultz can take a long walk on his short dock on Mercer Island as far as I’m concerned.

grr September 4, 2009 (11:58 pm)

fyi..most sbux that are inside another establishment (hotel, grocery, etc.), are licensees/franchises and NOT directly associated. They pay a fee, and use the products, but they’re independantly owned and operated.

Leroniusmonkfish September 5, 2009 (12:09 am)

GRR – So they (StarButts) don’t have to pay for any health benefits, retirement plans, etc…what a GREAT PLAN! Screw them ALL!!! Whatever happened to Juan Gonzalez? At least he picked and brewed a good coffee bean….

WSB September 5, 2009 (12:15 am)

I believe that was Valdez, not Gonzalez. Anyway, that’s why we sent an inquiry to SBUX as well, to clarify whether this is a company kiosk or franchisee. Hopefully we’ll hear next week.
.
Meantime, watch for a couple indy coffee stories at WSB and partner site White Center Now this weekend – one about the couple putting in a coffee shop in the building where a controversial “used goods” dealer has just moved out, another one about an entrepreneur who’s opening a shop in the White Center redevelopment area known as Greenbridge, just across Roxbury from Highland Park … TR

Leroniusmonkfish September 5, 2009 (12:16 am)

I meant “Juan Valdez”…been trying to forget that lil coffee spill in AK. I like my halibut cooked in oil but not marinated in it.

Leroniusmonkfish September 5, 2009 (3:12 am)

Jose – I hope you get your caffeine fix before you post again. Just keep reminding yourself…”calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean…”.

Rick September 5, 2009 (6:40 am)

Now if we could only get a nail shop to open up next to the new SBucks.

JayDee September 5, 2009 (6:55 am)

Funny post Rick. Maybe a nail and hair salon? Or a pet store?

Meghan September 5, 2009 (7:31 am)

My husband retired at 45 because he bought Starbucks stock when it went public. He knew the people who ran it and even though he was risking his entire life savings, he had every confidence that they were smart, savvy, and would make great decisions. Boy, did they ever! Starbucks single handedly created the coffee house culture all over this country (and in many other non-European cultures) that simply didn’t have it before. So give them credit. And for anyone who really knows the company, they treat their employees very well (e.g. give health insurance to part-time employees) and they are a much more socially conscious company that most (comparing them unfavorably to WalMart is downright ridiculous). And oh yeah, I personally really like the coffee. I like a rich, dark roast. But that’s a personal decision and not meant to offend anyone!

What? September 5, 2009 (7:47 am)

I am not the biggest Startbucks fan, nor am I a Starbucks non-fan. The company was small, and grew. I too prefer small indi business. Here in Seattle we might be overwhelmed. But when I was in Rosebud South Dakota way out by the Ogala Souix reservation and found one, I was pretty happy to know the place would be clean and there wouldn’t accidently be cigarette ashes in the drink.
As far as health insurance and no one caring…. I’m sorry, but I have to speak up. They DO donate a lot of money to Aids foundation, they do help sponsor the cancer walk. I have seen their sponsorship in other causes and partnerships through out Seattle.
True they are corporate giant NOW. But they sure aren’t as bad as some of the industrial ones.
I know MANY people who work for Starbucks, and they DO have health insurance. The level of care seems to be dependent on how long you have worked there. After 5-7 years, my friend got dental too.
P.S. how do you live in Microsoft and Boeing country and be angry about corporate giants? If those two ever dry up with Starbucks, Seattle with be BROKE. Their big money filters down into the small shops we all love. There’s a balance.

mattybmx September 5, 2009 (8:43 am)

protest Starbucks. they let the ONLY major sports team Seattle has EVER had win a Championship leave town. There are way better coffee options anyways.

35this35mph September 5, 2009 (11:12 am)

I enjoy and drink Starbuck’s but I do have an issue with this particular location… Right across the street in Jefferson Square there was an Indie Coffee shop (Can’t remember the name) that was squeezed out when their lease was up so Starbuck’s could take over the storefront, only to close a short time later… They already have a kiosk in Safeway and they have the drive thru store at the former chicken roasterie (Can’t remember their name either…) Anyway, compete on!

WSB September 5, 2009 (11:30 am)

As noted in the story, though I didn’t go into all the background of the location that was closed in November of last year (the former coffee shop there was named Infinity when it closed – it had other names earlier in its existence, I seem to recall). The chicken place that became the Starbucks drive-through next to Taco Time was Rainier Roaster – TR

dawsonct September 5, 2009 (12:26 pm)

Here’s a solution I have found effective for those who don’t like SBUX: don’t buy it. When you see a stand or shop selling SBUX products, avoid purchasing their products or ordering one of their drinks. I know, it seems antithetical to the American ideal of non-stop consumerism, but you don’t need to spend money with them just because of your proximity.

JBL September 5, 2009 (12:27 pm)

We shouldn’t be surprised at all from the kiosk in QFC with relation to the other starbucks & coffee places, that’s their deal, that’s just what they do. Every walked down Pine street downtown in the retail district? There’s one every 1/2 block covering the area! I always think of the Simpson’s episode when they walk into a mall and every storefront is a Starbucks! So funny!

dawsonct September 5, 2009 (12:38 pm)

What kind of rent does Jefferson Square charge? It is difficult to imagine paying taxes and sitting on empty storefronts is a very profitable way to run a business. The spot where the bank was has been empty for how many years? Two, three? SBUX store closed for a year?
Ridiculous. I wonder when the developers will decide that making SOME money on their properties is far preferable to driving the appeal of their properties into the gutter.

dawsonct September 5, 2009 (12:45 pm)

I’ve heard that QFC is prepared to carry other national brands, most of which are owned by trans-national corporations. Shelves full of ’em.
The end is nigh.

DC September 5, 2009 (2:48 pm)

First, if you do not approve of the product that SBUX puts out, you are not required to buy it! Just don’t go an stop complaining. Actually, I own SBUX stock, so please go, just complain to someone else.

Second, I was on a flight back to Seattle yesterday afternoon from California and sat next to the area regional manager for Trader Joe’s. I found him interesting and struck up a conversation regarding our Hole Foods here in WS. He said that Trader Joe’s is coming to WS and will also be located at the Fauntleroy and Alaska intersection, but not in the hole. He also mentioned that they had planned to have everything finalized and should have broken ground by now, but the lease negotiating has been difficult. Not shoking.

David September 5, 2009 (3:04 pm)

Starbucks’ motto should be, “Coffee for people who don’t like coffee.”

You ever notice how few customers at Starbucks (or at any of these indie places) actually order coffee? It seems I’m always in line behind a bunch of folks ordering wussy “coffee drinks.”

Why is it so many people in Seattle can’t hack the real stuff?

WSB September 5, 2009 (3:07 pm)

There have been rumors forever that they among others were looking at some of the Huling properties. The second I can ever get anyone to confirm this on the record – or the second I ever find evidence of it in a publicly accessible court, land records, real estate, etc. database – it will be front page banner “stop the pixels” news. If you care to share the name of the manager with whom you spoke, off the site, our ebox is ready and waiting
editor@westseattleblog.com
…if someone in the company is openly discussing alleged transactions with people they meet on airplanes, they theoretically wouldn’t be trying to keep it much of a secret! – TR

seven September 5, 2009 (5:02 pm)

Comparing wal-mart to starbucks is quite fair actually. I stand by that comparison.

What? September 5, 2009 (5:49 pm)

Wal-Mart is SO much worse. I have friends on Pomo Native American reservation in California. They have had to fight Wal-mart tooth and nail to get the corporation NOT to dig on sacred land. It’s been a long struggle. Starbucks hasn’t pulled that one yet.
So far, their a little better then most.

natinstl September 5, 2009 (11:42 pm)

I am always suprised how many people are anti-Starbucks when they are a major employer in the area. I know several people that work for them and they can’t say enough good things about the company and one of them was laid off after working for them for 7yrs in their corporate office! If you don’t like it, don’t drink it, but realize they do employ a whole lot of people in the Seattle area. As for them laying off people who isn’t? I’m an HR manager and it’s unbelievable how many have been laid off in the last year from a multitude of companies. I get their resumes every day and it breaks my heart.

F16CrewChief September 5, 2009 (11:49 pm)

I have nothing against QFC or Starbucks because jobs are jobs and people need them right now. However, I would of liked to see a Uwajimaya instead of a QFC.