Big News For Our New Jersey Office: Starbucks is Coming
There’s some important work being done in our New Jersey neighborhood.
A Little Background
We’ve got two offices: one in New York City and one in northern New Jersey. In New York, there’s a Starbucks in the building. And, let’s just say, thanks to the free Starbucks office policy, Starbucks at 55 Broad Street, New York, is doing just fine.
In New Jersey, we have a Keurig machine, which works when it feels like it. Joe is kind enough to make runs to the closest Starbucks; but, honestly, the Frappucinos don’t make the long trip back. They end up separated and melted. It’s depressing. We’re like second-class citizens out here.
About a month ago, I headed across the street from our NJ office to the supermarket on the way home. I noticed the in-store Bank of America branch had disappeared; and, there was a sign stating something to the effect of, “please excuse our appearance while we work on bringing the aroma of fresh coffee to our store”. I asked three stock people, none of which had a clue. One didn’t even know BofA had left. Finally, a customer service rep confirmed: Starbucks is coming!
The Excitement, And The Worry
I immediately shared my joy with the rest of the NJ team. One person replied via email ,“G-D has answered my prayers!”
I’ve been documenting the progress, and I’m impressed. In one month, what was once BofA is now starting to look like Starbucks. The sheetrock is nearly completed, sinks have been installed, and the tell tale cherry/brown cabinetry is being installed.
At one point during the month, my excitement turned to panic. What if it’s not really happening? What if they pull the plug on the project?
As a result, I’ve periodically checked for signs of commitment, and they have delivered. There’s a new map of the store, which clearly shows a Starbucks. There’s an advertisement for job openings, which was recently updated to state “Barista” openings. I’m pretty sure A&P has no need for Baristas, other than in the Starbucks.
The Progress
Now that we’re sure it’s coming, our concerns have migrated to the details: As this is not a stand-alone Starbucks, will it have a full menu or the typical in-store limited selection? It’s pretty big, so we’re hoping for the full menu. Will the Baristas know the full ordering lingo? We’ll see. We’re trying to find out if we can participate in the training, as trainers, not trainees.
I’m trying to avoid being arrested or kicked out of the store; but, I feel compelled to document this important work and have taken some critical photos showing the progress.
Never mind that the entire store is in complete shambles as I think they are refurbishing the whole place. Just today, the entire freezer section was literally missing, as new freezers were being installed. As a result, my four-year-old son is without French Toast Waffles and had a complete breakdown last night. I told him, “Sorry, Zach, these are the sacrifices we have to make to support Daddy’s caffeine addiction! This will cheer you up… the brown cabinets are in!”
More to come on this important community development.
