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Starbucks in Patchogue will introduce itself to the community next week.
The coffeeshop was slated to open Friday morning, as confirmed by one of the store’s employees Tuesday. However, Friday morning, one of the location’s partners said plans were pushed back to an undetermined day next week.
However, the coffeehouse will have a presence at Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, he added, where it will give out free coffee.
The coffee giant’s arrival to West Main Street — across the street from Blue Point Brewery — comes after months of construction, and following the demolition of the 91-year-old building that housed the former Bargain Bilge Marine Supply shop.
The new structure is 2,065 square feet and has a 10-car-queue drive-up window.
At the new coffeehouse, villagers can expect all of the company’s classics, including the chain’s café Americano, blended Frappuccinos, hot breakfast items and baked desserts.
Community response
During the village approval process last year, the project weathered opposition from locals. Facebook groups including the “Say NO to Patchogue Village Starbucks” formed, and the “Stop Starbucks on Main” change.org petition received 1,951 signatures — a bit shy of its 2,500 goal.
Members of the public also attended Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board meetings to stay up-to-date and speak their mind on the project. Some resident fear the new coffee shop create undesired increase in traffic in the village.
Concerns regarding automobile and pedestrian safety at the traffic-heavy intersection have been raised, as well. Representatives of Starbucks said the angled concrete divider in the center of the West Main Street curb cut would prohibit left turns in or out of the parking lot, and address traffic safety concerns.
Plans also included board-requested speed bumps and the company’s preemptively designed crosswalks.
Others in opposition worried the coffee corporation’s presence would impact nearby mom-and-pop coffeehouses, such as Roast and Bean. However, ZBA members noted the the board could not discriminate against a company based on its ownership structure.
Last April, George Emrick, who owned the Bargain Bilge for 35 years, said in an interview with GreaterPatchogue that Starbuck’s interest in Patchogue was a testament to the village’s revitalization, strengthened by its burgeoning small business community.
Known around town as “King George,” Emrick said residents should consider the incoming Starbucks “a tribute to the town and the village and the mayor.”
