Another tip sent to our inbox recently asked about the renovations of the 125th Street Starbucks at the corner of Lenox Avenue. The construction crew had closed off the space for a couple of weeks and the new interior now reveals some missing details. This location was the first Starbucks to open in Harlem about a decade ago and was one of the Magic Johnson branches. One can now see that the Magic Johnson photo mural no longer exists behind the counter wall of this updated shop. Another major difference is the lack of small tables that used to occupy the space and customers are now relegated to using the window bar counters to do their laptop business. Was this branch bought back by the organization and thus the changes?
Interesting. When that Starbucks went in it was a big deal and was an "Urban Coffee Opportunities" deal with Johnson's backing, whereas the newer one down the street was not. I wonder if Johnson pulled his 50% stake now that the 'hood is "established" enough to support a bunch of "regular" Starbucks?
ReplyDeleteI still prefer the coffee cart guy on the corner. Cheaper, friendlier, a shorter line, and the coffee doesn't have that Starbucks' burnt flavor. Keep it old school!
Fair amount of minor drug deals go down in that Starbucks. . .
ReplyDeletejust sayin’
How is it the one on FDB & 116th is so peaceful, yet this one seems to be on the shady side (i.e dealing). Still, I go here a lot and it seems alright.
ReplyDelete@ Sanou's Mum:
ReplyDeleteIt’s a tiny Starbucks. If the fake rehabbers are going to insist on sitting there all day, they are just going to take the chairs away and go for the “Coffee to go” crowd.
Can’t say as I blame them, really.
@ Vic Makes no diff to me either way. I make and slurp my coffee at home.
ReplyDeleteDo the folks who hang on the street go in there? Surely you have to buy something. . . Coffee, I mean.
Vic's right. they come outta that meth clinic on 124th and go right into that place. i assume they buy the smallest black coffee you can get and then plant themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis Starbucks has been great for central Harlem, for many years now, new visitors to Harlem have been welcomed with the familiar sight of a Starbucks when they exit the subway at 125th and Lenox at this prominent corner. Soon we will have a massive Hyatt hotel on the opposite corner, things are looking up.
ReplyDeleteThe renovations also I believe changed the restroom in the rear from public to Employees Only. This may change the clientèle as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Starbuck's coffee ( Try the Blue Mountain @ Meilleur du Monde on 5th right above 125th ) But I think the chain is good for the neighborhood. Whatever they can do to change the vaguely shady ambience it was taking on is welcomed by me.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who used to work for starbucks I have sort of an addiction to the place. I have a 4 or 5 times a week habit. (that burnt taste you complain about is because they double roast there coffee, somehow that is a selling feature. I worked for them for 5 years back when they were still goo. Yes I drank the koolaid. I have to say this is the worst star bucks I have ever been to. The people are rude and the place is dirty. I usually walk the extra distance to the one next to the Sprint store but was in a hurry. After waiting in an impossibly long line I ordered my usual Grande Iced coffee a few minutes later I headed out the door with what i thought was a delicious iced coffee. Unfortunately my iced coffee contained an extra guest. I was horrified to find a pincher bug in my mouth. I immediatelytook the drink back but was confronted with more rudeness. They don't care. The manager didn’t care and the corporate office didn’t care. I was happy to see the store close I was hoping my complaints to the health inspector got this place shut down but no such luck. If you want a star bucks the one next to Sprint is much nicer and way cleaner.
ReplyDeleteI must say the only time I went there (to check it out just after the renovation,) the place was clean and the staff was very friendly and courteous.
ReplyDelete