Why a River East coffee shop would be sweet.

The Advocate doesn't think much about coffee - never has. Never cared much for the taste and surely not for the intense stomach cramps that were sure to follow.

However, it would be really nice to have our first Starbucks or Caribou Coffee or any coffee shop for that matter - preferably on MLK Ave (please please) or Good Hope Rd and something that could incorporate the character of the community.

Not only would I (over) indulge in the frothy creations (caramel fraps are too addictive) but it would be nice to sit in the wi fi enabled lounge with my laptop and crank out another CHOTR blog post while being able to hang out with my River East neighbors. To look through the brightly lit and sparkling clear store front windows onto a bustling main street scene.

Such a business would not only benefit the community by providing additional employment opportunities but would be an indicator that our community has indeed arrived on the "mainstream map". Everyone knows that a Starbucks or a Caribou Coffee coming into the neighborhood is the tipping point of things to come.

10 years ago Magic Johnson announced a partnership with Starbucks coffee to bring Starbucks stores to urban areas. There are several such stores in Prince Georges county.

Per the Magic Johnson website:

Urban Coffee Opportunities/Starbucks – Urban Coffee Opportunities represents the only partnership of its kind that Starbucks has entered into in the United States. This innovative venture, launched in February 1998, combines the retail strength of Starbucks with Magic Johnson Enterprise’s knowledge of underserved communities in key metropolitan cities. Together, Magic Johnson Enterprises and Starbucks strive to enthusiastically satisfy customers while contributing to community development and the environment. The jointly owned stores have become the social centers in their communities.

With the economic downturn many businesses are hesitant to invest in new locations. Under served communities are a wonderful opportunity to expand - to provide residents who historically have had to travel outside of their community for normal everyday services -and fraps. :)

The Advocate