Business & Tech

Starbucks Will Sell Wine, Beer In Rancho Santa Margarita

The coffeehouse giant will test the concept in two Orange County markets, including one of the Starbucks in RSM. No guarantee the Planning Commission will sign off on the plan.

Starbucks won't be a place for just coffee anymore. Not at the in Rancho Santa Margarita, anyway.

In the Santa Margarita Market Place, more commonly known as the Lowe's center, the coffeehouse giant plans to roll out a pilot program that includes the sale of wine and beer.

A Huntington Beach store is also getting the adult beverage treatment, in addition to two other southern California stores, in Coronado and Calabasas.

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However, such sales will be contingent upon the store receiving a conditional use permit from the city.

"Over the last year, we’ve had a number of CUP applications come before us seeking the ability to sell beer and wine, and in some cases liquor," said Peter Whittingham, chairman of the RSM Planning Commission. "We’re at a point where that census tract has more licenses in it than the ABC basically recommends and why they need a CUP and a finding of public convenience or necessity.

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"Nothing is for certain. We’ll take into account the cumulative impact of having that available."

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According to a Starbucks spokesman, the stores will be remodeled with flexible seating so that it can better handle large groups that might want to take advantage of the new atmosphere, especially at night. The remodel would include the addition of larger tables for book clubs and community meetings.

"In selecting locations, we wanted to choose stores where the concept would be relevant for the neighborhood and customer base" said Zack Hutson of Starbucks. "It’s a great example of a community gathering place and it's a place you can envision wanting to relax and unwind after a day of shopping."

Although children will still be allowed in the store, employees will have to be 21; younger employees will be offered jobs at other locations.

The concept has already been in place in the Pacific Northwest, with five stores in the Seattle area, one in Portland and one in Sun Valley, ID.

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"The menu hasn't been set for Southern California, but the goal would be (to offer beers and wines) that reflect taste preferences," said Hutson, who did not know the costs that would be established. He said that the menu in Southern California would be different from the one in the Seattle area.

In addition to the location on Las Flores, adult beverages will also be served at the location at 7101 Yorktown in Huntington Beach. Alcoholic Beverage Control permit signs were to be placed at the sites Tuesday.

Below is a statement from the company:

We are excited about potentially bringing the evening concept to our Rancho Santa Margarita store. The store is ideally situated as a community gathering place where customers can unwind and relax with a small bite to eat and a cup of coffee or glass of wine after a day of shopping. We are hoping to create a new occasion for our customers to visit the store in the evening or late afternoon in a comfortable and inviting environment that will allow them to connect with the people they care about.  The store will likely incorporate flexible seating to accommodate individuals and small groups as well as larger parties that want to host community meetings or other events such as book clubs. Hopefully wine, beer, and an enhanced food menu will create another great reason to visit our already thriving store.

There are four Starbucks coffeehouses in Rancho Santa Margarita.


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