CHESTERMERE – Today, with more than 15,000 stores in 50 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. And now there is another Starbucks in Chestermere.
Lindsay Bell, manager of the Starbucks on Marina Drive, has been in the coffee business for over 8 years and most recently ran one of the outlets in Canmore. She loves the fact that she was in a small community and is now back in a small community, being part of the schools and building a relationship in the community.
There has always been a Starbucks at the local Safeway which is a licenced store that can sell the Starbucks brand in their store. They have Safeway employees working at the Starbucks.
Bell doesn’t have to boast of the cozy environment and the free WIFI as in their stores, it’s a trademark. Bell says, “As a company we are about creating that 3rd place, not the work place, not the house, it is somewhere where its comfortable, where you can come, hang out with friends, get some work done meet with people, have an interview, whatever you want to do”.
“It’s in a good location just off the main drag, and easy access to the drive through especially being on the road into the city”. She adds, “People can swing in, swing back out and enjoy the bevy on the drive in”.
Starbucks is designing, building and operating their stores in ways that reduce the impact on the planet. “We’re incorporating everything from responsible building materials and furnishings to energy”. The building follows the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program which means they have reused and refurbished material for the dock and the cool little boat that hangs down from the ceiling. They have also used lower wattage lights so that its feels better for the customers and the partners (employees).
“It says a lot about where were going as a company; more green, more recycling, more environmentally friendly”. “This store is a little different design than some of our older stores” says Bell “but you will still find the same feeling, the same atmosphere, a big long community table and several small tables that you can put together or split them apart as needed”. There are a few tasteful 1950 pin up girl posters on one wall and a colourful modern collage of beach scene prints at the far end of the room. The display counters are full and feature fresh pastries, sandwiches and goodies that are made daily. They also offer a selection of premium Tazo teas and of course high-quality whole bean coffees.
The drive through window – “Our goal is to have all drive-thru customers ordered and through the window with their breakfast sandwich and beverage of choice in less than 3 minutes” says Bell.
Starbucks is open from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM Monday thru Friday, 7:00 AM until 9:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. The hours should get the commuters first thing in the morning and if you want to have a late night coffee with a friend. When the weather warms up a tad there are another 16 seats with umbrellas on the outdoor patio, plus 2 water ski chairs that were hand made for Starbucks.
Starbucks is located at #101, 100 Marina Drive.
Anyone for a latte?
