Pure terror. That's what's on the minds of some Seminole Heights residents about their beloved neighborhood Starbucks and recent news that the coffee giant will close 600 stores this year. Residents fear their coffeeshop on Hillsborough and Central will be one of the unlucky ones.
Never have I seen such a love for a single Starbucks, or any chain store for that matter. I guess it's deserved. To many residents, that Starbucks represents more than a place to get lemon loaf and burnt coffee — it's a symbol of a neighborhood reborn. The residents fought like hell to get that Starbucks to come to their neighborhood in the first place (well, most of them). If it did close, where would all the city officials and neighborhood activists go to meet?
Anywho, Starbucks never returns my calls for stories, but I imagine that the Seminole Heights Starbucks is safe. The place is packed every time I drive by, and the baristas always look rushed. And frankly, you couldn't pay a PR flack enough to get the kind of brand exposure that this Starbucks has created. So don't worry, folks.
