On the first day of classes this semester, the line to Starbucks located in the University Center of Colorado Mesa University stretched out the door and around into the hallway.
Because the UC location is only a licensed Starbucks, it doesn’t support many of Starbuck’s features such as the mobile order, redeeming free drinks from the Starbucks rewards app and many food and drink options such as the blonde espresso and nitro brew.
For years the UC Starbucks was the only close one to students on campus, but now a new location has opened just a block away from campus.
It’s address is 1350 North Avenue between Tan Perfection and Daylight Donuts. It can be accessed by travelers coming from both east and west on North Avenue, unlike many of North Avenue’s businesses.
Construction for the North Avenue Starbucks location began over the summer and it recently opened on Aug. 8. Olivia Swinger, junior at CMU, works as a shift manager at the new location.
“Only about four out of 25 of our partners is not in school. I think we’re all going to CMU except one,” Swinger said.
The location is unlike many others. With close proximity to campus, the coffee shop is open until 10 p.m. every day, an extra hour later than the other locations in Grand Junction.
It is also sporting new CMU gear on the wall behind the counter in show of support for the University.
Inside resides two long tables, bar-style seating and nine smaller tables for students and guests of all kind to sit and enjoy their coffee or to meet and do homework. The tables all feature outlets and USB ports for easy plug-ins for electronic devices.
“They built it well for the guests,” Swinger said. “It was such a needed location.”
While the store announced on their Facebook page that they were now open, “it’s actually been pretty slow,” Swinger said.
Because the location is tucked in between two other locations and the sign is located at ground level, it can be difficult to spot just by driving by.
This location also holds a greater emphasis on their customer service. Not only are they wanting to serve great coffee, but also have a friendly and college student environment.
“I think we take more pride in our store. We care, we care about your drink and you and how you’re doing, we care if you’re having a good time,” Swinger said. “You should be comfortable here, you should want to meet your friends here. We want to remember you. It’s not just like a coffee shop, it’s a hangout.”
Because the store is so close to campus, it is rumored that the location may be opened later during finals weeks, pending the approval of higher-ups.
“When you’re on campus all day every day, I think you get a little bogged down, so if you can come relax here, we’re happy,” Swinger said.
While they are open now, they will still be adding more bike racks for the commuters who choose to bike. They are also looking to add more umbrellas for their patio seating and more speakers in the lobby.
Starbucks is set to do a soft launch of their fall menu, welcoming back the popular Pumpkin Spice lattes, on Aug. 28 but will release their full fall menu Sept. 6, which will include Maple Pecan, new fall flavors, recipes and more pastries.
