Can We Get a Starbucks in Odenton?
Local business officials confirmed they have been trying to bring a Starbucks to Odenton. But will the coffee chain move in?
With the Odenton Town Center starting to take shape, there has been one thing residents have been clamoring for more than almost anything else: a Starbucks.
The seemingly ubiquitous coffee chain has set up shop in nearby places including the Arundel Mills area and Gambrills, but has yet to sign a lease in Odenton.
The Seattle-based company has thus far rebuffed overtures from the real estate community, though it has been courted heavily.
Patricia Palumbo of Metropolitan Management Company confirmed that she has had numerous conversations with Starbucks officials over the years, and even took them on tours of the area. Palumbo has been working on behalf of the Village at Odenton Station and Meade Center, a proposed retail complex on Annapolis Road.
"Starbucks is definitely looking," Palumbo said. "They need to be convinced. We'd love to have them in Odenton."
Would you like to see Starbucks come to Odenton? Vote in our poll and comment below.
The lack of a coffeeshop has been frustrating to Claire Louder, president of the West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, who said she is often forced to hold meetings in her conference room and provide coffee herself.
“I want to get these people out of my office, where they are drinking coffee for free,” she said. “I have people asking me everyday, where the nearest Starbucks? It’s amazing to me they haven’t see the potential of this community.”
Starbucks officials declined to comment on any discussions regarding Odenton. However, the company did announce earlier this month that it would open 3,000 new stores in 2013, including 1,500 in the United States.
Real estate experts said the reluctance of Starbucks to open in Odenton stems from a pair of stubborn issues: a general belief that Odenton has not yet “arrived” as a community, and a misunderstanding of the impact of Fort Meade’s population. (Official demographic data for the area does not include the 57,000 people residing or working on the installation.)
Palumbo also said retailers need to consider the thousands of commuters who park at the MARC station each day, and the fact that the Village Odenton Station is designed to be a sustainable, transit-oriented-development.
"Today, many retailers, including Starbucks, have made commitments to open stores in this type of project to support developers' and communities' smart growth initiatives," she said.
For many observers of the area, a Starbucks would be a great amenity in a town that still lacks many retail options.
“There’s a lot happening here now, I would think the retail people would want to get in," said Gill Wylie, president of Johns Hopkins Medical Corporation, who spearheaded the recent construction of a new medical building in east Odenton. "A Starbucks over there by the train station, I can’t imagine it would not be successful there."
Wylie noted that while many people are counting on Johns Hopkins to provide the base of workers to spark new retail development, they in turn would like to see more options for places to eat and shop.
"There are plenty of people who are Starbucks addicts. I’ll be going there," Wylie said. "If it’s central enough, it will help build that synergy. When you don’t have a place like that, it kind of drops you down a notch.”
There is some hope that Starbucks may come around in 2013, if company officials become aware of the growth at Fort Meade and the construction of more than 1,300 apartment units in town.
“I believe that this town is ready for Starbucks,” Louder said. “There is absolutely demand. It’s a matter of whether they are ready for us. I just can’t imagine the market studies don’t show that potential.”
TrjSt
1:02 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Starbucks is a marketing giant proliferating sameness, over-roasted beans and too much sugar. Let's have a good locally-owned and independent coffee shop with talented baristas, well-sourced and carefully roasted beans.
Diane in Odenton
2:30 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I totally agree. I don't like Starbucks at all, but I love coffee, just not Starbucks coffee.
King of Fees
7:15 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I am not a fan. Caribou in Gambrills has much better coffee, better pricing and friendly staff. Starbucks can stay away.
Kat
10:32 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
That's not true, it's just as expensive!! Qualitywise, I'd say they're about equal
It's Happening Here!
9:43 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Starbucks is not just about good coffee; it's an experience-and an amazing atmosphere! The majority of Odenton Town Center wants Starbucks. Please make 2013 the year!
Diane in Odenton
8:03 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wouldn't other similar coffee shop/cafe type places offer the same sort of atmosphere? I wouldn't pay a premium for a bad cup of coffee just for the "experience". Just sayin.
Calique
10:09 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Coffee is subjective, like beer. One person's "bad" coffee might be another's preferred. Variety is the key. I like Starbucks, but I also like Caribou and locally owned shops. Any of them is ok by me.
Carol B
7:32 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Starbucks is ridiculously overpriced, and I agree with earlier posters that its coffee leaves a good deal to be desired (its tea is worse). I don't drink coffee very often, but personally, I'd prefer McDonalds' or Dunkin' Donuts coffee any day. How about a decent fresh bakery with a coffee shop? If I knew anything about the bakery business, I'd open one!
Joel Wexler
7:43 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I agree with those voting against Starbucks, their coffee is over priced and not as good as local coffee shops. Caribou and City Dock are much better.
Midge
7:52 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I'd settle for a supermarket with coffee in one of the aisles.
John "Rob" Burk
8:29 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Starbucks or Baltimore Coffee and Tea Co. would be welcome... Now what I really want is a Trader Joe's in the old Super Fresh location.
Kat
10:34 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Agreed!! THat would be fantastic (and they give out little coffee samples for free :-))
Kevin Brennan
8:32 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Not a huge fan..but, studies show where Starbucks goes prosperous things happen! They have been put in low income neighborhoods which in turn bring other businesses. http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-01-11/news/30615158_1_neighborhoods-gentrification-stores
Robert
9:12 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
There is a coffee shop in the Odenton Town Center near the train station called the White Rabbit that has excellent coffee. It's at the site of the former old Odenton Bank. Certainly just as good as Starbucks!
Darlene B
9:26 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Think a great place like Bean Rush Cafe would be an excellent local choice. They are over in Crownsville- went there for first time on Sunday. Food is very fresh and coffe is outstanding. Like City Dock, but think Bean Rush was better.
Jaimie B
9:31 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I'm a big coffee drinker but I will not drink starbucks. Over priced and over rated. I'd much rather see something locally owned/operated.
Rusty Vaughan
9:58 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Reading these comments, one could think that Starbucks is a failing business. I travel a lot on business and seek out Starbucks. I like their coffee, I like their tea, I like their atmosphere, I like their breakfast sandwiches and pastries in a rush, and I treasure the opportunity to use their WiFi in such a good atmosphere. I also find their employees to be consistently interested in my experience.
I do hope they find a site. My preference is not at the Marc location but rather where I can have all day long in and out parking and somewhere South and East of 32. Not many choices though. Caribou is about as good for me.
Kat
10:36 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
What I would really like is a Pret-a-Manger!! I used to live in the UK and loved them; great coffee, great food (and I think slightly less overpriced??). They have some in DC, but obviously not in the boonies where we are :-))
Carol B
10:42 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Pret-a-Manger would be lovely--or even Au Bon Pain or Panera Bread (yes--I know there's one in Hanover).
stephanie Duncan Troxell
12:44 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Starbuck's would be a great addition to the community with their name recognition, and excellent service- and of course I like the coffee. One of my favorite meeting places!
D Stubler
1:05 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
I'm a Caribou drinker. Why not approach Caribou about opening a shop?
D Stubler
1:11 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Speaking of Starbucks ... I think it's ridiculous in Gambrills they have one located inside Safeway, inside Target and not to mention a free standing store with a drive through almost directly next to Target. Crazy ... 3 in Gambrills (within adjoining shopping centers) and none in Odenton. I don't get it.
Carol B
1:28 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
About as silly as having four liquor stores in the stretch between Bluewater and Reece Road? (You have to wonder what credentials it takes to be a village planner!)
D Stubler
1:30 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Carol B ... the Village Idiot must have had a say.
Carol B
1:32 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Good one, D!
Odenton Station Dental
1:15 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
We would love a Starbucks! Wake us up in the morning! :)