The County Times reported that Starbucks is trying to extend its business day by adding beer and wine in selected locations. B'game has two of the first 15 locations that Starbucks has in mind.
By my count we have five Starbucks in town but I could have missed one along the way. Burlingame Plaza and the B'way shop are the ones seeking the limited alcohol licenses. I would guess the small one at the Marriott and the one in Safeway are not ever going to be in the running for more licenses, but not seeking one for the Avenew location is a bit of a surprise. Perhaps the competition is too tough on the Ave?
The shop on Broadway in Millbrae is also on the list.
Go to Off The Grid, buy dinner, walk down to Starbucks, get table and beer, consume. Sounds like a plan!
Posted by: hillsider | May 17, 2015 at 02:47 PM
This info. was also in the Chronicle this weekend, but it appeared that the only candidate in Burlingame was the one on Burlingame Avenue.
I haven't decided whether this is going to contribute to a new crop of young alcoholics, but it is a brilliant move by Starbucks to get more mileage ($$$) out of those who have made Starbucks their preferred office, hangout and meeting space (for hours on end).
Posted by: Jennifer | May 18, 2015 at 08:49 AM
That's odd. I'm sure the two papers were working off the same press release. Guess we will have to wait to see the applications come through Council.
Posted by: Joe | May 18, 2015 at 03:36 PM
Guys, the Starbucks offering alcohol at its stores has been in the works (at the corporate level) for a while now and it looks like Burlingame has now become test-bed central! Bruce Dickinson would not be surprised if it were the Burlingame Ave location, and as Jennifer aptly pointed out, if you think the grazers in Starbucks today are bad, you gotta imagine they'll plop themselves for hours on end if you keep that alcohol flowing.
Coffee and Alcohol, stimulants and depressants in a one-stop-shop? hmmm.. I like it! Anyway, it's a smart idea for Starbucks as this can drive a whole bunch of different food options with the beer/wine and further increase sales. I happen to think the Burlingame location is perfect, as Starbucks also owns la Boulange next door, so if space is problem, both stores can be "merged" into one giant BrewPubWineBar. I hope the wine selection will be up to snuff, as Burlingamers have discriminating palates, just ask yours truly!
Posted by: Bruce Dickinson | May 18, 2015 at 04:26 PM
Ahhh, another Convenience and Necessity application upon which I always love to make comment at Council meetings.
On this one I'll certainly speak to accepting the application since it will free up all that sidewalk space currently filled by tables and chairs. How will Starbucks guarantee that Tosca-style cappuccino isn't taken outside to enjoy? A brown bag cuppa?
Ahhh, the Police enforcement calls we can look forward to reading in the Daily Journal.
Posted by: pat giorni | May 21, 2015 at 08:44 AM