Jul 23, 2008 7:50 pm US/Eastern
Newark Ready To Fight To Keep Its Starbucks
Coffee Giant Poised To Pull Plug On Broad Street Location That Mayor Booker Says Helps Area Flourish
NEWARK (CBS) ―
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Starbucks introduced its retro logo earlier this year. (File)
Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
The decision by Starbucks to close 600 stores nationwide has hit one location especially hard.
For people who work and live nearby, it was more than just a chain. It was a symbol of a struggling city's attempt to turn itself around.
Despite their copycat décor, not all Starbucks are the same. When a location opened on Newark's Broad Street eight years ago, it was seen as a victory in the city's struggle to revitalize downtown.
So Starbucks' decision to close has left many crushed. Residents are even circulating a flyer urging people to complain.
"We're right across the street from Prudential and a lot of downtown businesses," downtown Newark worker Paul Hanley said. "They're trying to revitalize this particular area."
Newark Mayor Cory Booker said he's baffled by the decision, and has asked the company to reconsider. He said even in this tough economy, downtown Newark is prospering with businesses attracted by its cheap rents, proximity to Manhattan and the new Prudential Center.
"We were told by the folks it's not because it's a low performer," Booker said. "It's a middle performer that they don't think has projections to grow. And that's where we're saying they are wrong, actually. Bars and restaurants have all opened in that area, doing incredibly well."
Booker said he's willing to offer city incentives to help Starbucks stay. And there's hope it might open in another location. If the Broad Street spot does end up closed, don't expect it to be vacant for too long.
"Other coffee groups are already calling us up and saying, 'We'll that that space. We'll take that space,'" Booker said.
So far, no closing date has been set. Starbucks told CBS 2 HD it believes growth opportunities remain in many areas, including Newark.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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