American Tobacco Starbucks to close June 9

Looks like the report that came across in the comments here yesterday morning was accurate: The Starbucks at American Tobacco is currently scheduled to close June 9.

The ATC coffee shop has been operated by the Compass Group, a provider of on-campus dining services at Duke, which agreed to run the Starbucks as part of its campus restaurant deal, as ARAMARK had before its contract with the university expired.

We've reached out to American Tobacco GM Paul Pope, CBC real estate head Michael Goodmon, and CBC media relations for word as to the future of the space, but there's no word back from the crew yet.

Reportedly the presence of a coffee shop at the ATC has been a hot-button issue over the years for CBC magnate Jim Goodmon, who's reportedly given input in the past to everything from the store's hours of operation to the brief closure during the ARAMARK-Compass transition.

Given the long lines most mornings for coffee, I'd wager to say that a coffee shop can be successful in the space, though perhaps not so much so as to meet the standards of an outside operator who is likely to have little interest in such a one-off business. More as we learn it on this one.

Comments

[TSQ75]

so, is it unheard of for one of the local fair trade producers (Counter Culture/Larry's) so open a storefront? Wouldn't that be...i have to say...fabulous? and incredibly sensible?

[Will]

@TSQ75....that IS a fabulous idea. Email Counter Culture here... questions@counterculturecoffee.com

Sample e-mail:

Dear Counter Culture,

I recently learned that the Starbucks on the American Tobacco Campus was closing in early June. Wouldn't it be great to have a CC storefront operation? I know I'd visit often and would so appreciate having an outstanding roaster like you in that space vs. another chain.

Hoping you'll consider,

XXXX

[TSQ75]

done...

also put an email in to a friend who does sales for them ;)

[tSQ75]

no dice--they officially DO NOT operate retail locations...

was worth a try

[peetoteeto]

i could see why -- creating a storefront operation could be perceived as competitive to their customer base.

Joe Van Gogh, perhaps?

[DJ Waldow]

I work at Bronto - above Tylers in American Tobacco. What are some other options for a local (dare I say....) Barista? Sounds like Counter Culture will not work. What else?

dj waldow

[durhamfood]

Blargh. Not another sterile Joe Van Gogh location, please!

My place of choice for years now has been Bean Traders on 9th. Their drip isn't great (there isn't great drip in town, afaik), but their espresso-based drinks are pretty damn good.

Combining the old Ooh La Latte decor with the coffee at Bean Traders would be nice...

I think this is an opportunity for someone really interested in coffee to do something good!

[Emily]

The replacement is Saladelia.

[anon]

Great local store owned by nice folks!

[TSQ75]

ah good, someone reported on this..

just got this in an email update from DDI
*************************************************

Saladelia Cafe to Open in Downtown

Saladelia Cafe, a local eatery specializing in sandwiches, homemade salads, gourmet coffees and desserts, will be opening in late June in the old Starbucks space at American Tobacco. Saladelia offers made-from-scratch fare featuring organic and local ingredients, and includes vegan and vegetarian dishes. They also serve organic, fair trade, shade-grown coffees which are locally roasted, and offers whole leaf organic teas. Saladelia is scheduled to open on June 30.

[Bull City Rising]

Thanks, Emily and TSQ, for getting this up there. I've been working today to chase down this report -- along with one other interesting little rumor on a similar subject. More on this later tonight here.