Starbucks set for Inverness city centre
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AN international coffee chain is planning to open a second branch in Inverness and is already hoping to recruit staff for the new drive-through venture.
Starbucks has announced that it is planning to open a new business at a unit in Rose Street, next door to Smyths toy superstore.
Planning permission has already been granted by Highland Council and there is currently a separate application under consideration to add a number of Starbucks’ illuminated signs to the site.
An additional application to vary elements of the unit’s cladding, brickwork, roof panel and timber enclosure was also approved because it was felt the changes to the finishing materials were “not significant and are acceptable”.
Jackie Cuddy, the manager of Eastgate Shopping Centre where the first Starbucks is located, welcomed the move and said: “I think it’s great news. Any retailer opening a second store in the city shows confidence. Our Starbucks is doing really well – they are extending opening until 7pm because there are so many people about.”
In a Facebook post a spokesman for the branch stated: “We are now recruiting for our future store managers. Join us as a shift supervisor and continue your career journey with us.”
And in a separate post, Inverness BID supported the move and added: “Starbucks are opening a brand new store at Rose Street soon and they are recruiting. Keep updated by following their page.”
The news sparked a mainly positive response, with more than 200 comments and 51 people sharing the BID’s post.
Dara-Jane Smith posted approval for the fact it was a drive-through facility, however Rachael Anderson felt the location was not the right choice and asked: “Why not at Inshes?”
Sean Mackay also posted, saying he felt a branch of Greggs would have been better in Inverness.
