America's Largest Cities Without A Downtown Starbucks

[landfall]

Okay, on top of Starbucks.....what about a CVS/Walgreens?

I think there might be a pharmacy only Walgreens within the BMC, but as far as full service goes?

[thelakelander]

Hmm? Definitely the only major city in Florida without a CVS/Walgreens in downtown.

[marcuscnelson]

That's... actually especially odd, now that I think about it. Even St. Augustine has both CVS and Walgreens in what people generally consider the "downtown" area. Maybe not quite within walking distance but still relatively close.

[Adam White]

IIRC, I think there was once a discussion here on Metro JAcksonville/The Jaxson about developing the Landing (back when there was a Landing) and putting non-glamorous, but very practical tenants in it. I believe CVS was mentioned as an example of the sort of business that might not be "cool" but would be extremely worthwhile.

If you travel to any city, you'd not be crazy to expect to find things like drug stores, grocery stores or coffee shops downtown.

[marcuscnelson]

Wasn't the whole issue with getting CVS or Walgreens at the Landing something to do with parking? That doesn't seem to have been resolved at all.

[thelakelander]

A CVS or Walgreens was a potential tenant that Sleiman had mentioned would come with a renovated Landing that would have included dedicated parking for Landing tenants.

[Adam White]

Ah yes, that's it. I guess we're not getting one now...

[thelakelander]

Nope. Not until we can find a space suitable for them.

[MusicMan]

I'm a Starbucks stock holder and it has performed very well. I'm also a customer. It happens to be my favorite cup of coffee, especially compared to gas station coffee or Dunkin donuts.....  I buy the beans at Costco and grind at home for my morning pour over.  We also have a nice espresso machine and my wife prefers that, with the same Starbucks French Roast bean....  They have proven themselves to be a high quality and very consistent provider to a very loyal customer base, the essence of a successful retail company or business. 

Working at Jacksonville Symphony, I went to the old location at The Grass lot that used to be The Landing pretty much every day I worked at Jacoby Hall, along with a throng of musicians. It was a busy and profitable store. I asked but never got a true story about why they left, but it was not because of lack of customers.  And I have stated before that had they moved it out onto the river with a riverfront terrace for seating, it would have drawn customers INSIDE The Landing, something that was missing. I blame that on Sleiman, he should know that store placement is very important. And The Landing desperately needed more foot traffic. (The success of The Urban Court foodtruck concept across the the Grass Lot is proof that this location works fine.)

There are plenty of decent locations for a Starbucks RIGHT NOW in downtown Jacksonville. Loyal customers would seek out and find a Starbucks. Out of towners almost always ask at the front desk of their hotel, "Is there a Starbucks nearby?" Our downtown is so small you could put it in a lot of locations and it would work.  I think you need to hear from a local Starbucks Regional Manager to get an explanation as to why no store downtown Jax. It would do fine, AND COULD PROBABLY DRIVE AN INSANE BARGAIN RIGHT NOW REGARDING RENT since commercial real estate has taken a beating and there are empty spaces all over.

[thelakelander]

^I'm not sure why they left the Landing but they also closed the Starbucks in 11 East around the same time and it had free rent. I do recall when those two closures took place, Starbucks also closed hundreds of locations across the country.

[MusicMan]

Just did a quick drive through of DT and there appears to be several good spots within 2 blocks of the Adams St/Laura Street intersection. Also think the "Da Real Ting" location would be great. Or The Hamby Building/Atticus Bar.....

[thelakelander]

I suspect they'd go for space in one of the adaptive reuse projects like the Laura Street Trio before taking on a historic building renovation of their own. I also assume, like the Hyatt, the Trio hotel will probably serve Starbucks Coffee in their dining space. Many Courtyard by Marriotts have a coffee bar/dining spot with Starbucks Coffee. I'm not sure about Autograph Collection, assuming the brand switches to that. Also, I see that there is a Starbucks somewhere inside of Baptist Medical. Any idea of where that is in relation to a public entrance?

[Charles Hunter]

From my source that works at Baptist - at the downtown (Southbank) location, it is near the main entrance, come into the rotunda, turn right, and you will see the Starbucks.  My source tells me all Baptist Hospital locations have Starbucks.

[thelakelander]

I'd assume this is a Starbucks that any one can walk into and pay cash for a cup of coffee. If that's the case, then could we say that Downtown Jacksonville does have a Starbucks?

https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator/store/1025882/baptist-medical-center-800-prudential-dr-jacksonville-fl-32207-us

If so, then it would fall in line with a long going theme of how important outdoor signage is for businesses open to the public that happen to be located in larger buildings like hospitals and office buildings.

[MusicMan]

No. I will not count it.     For God's sake, it need to be in the CBD. NOt a freakin  hospital