Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Safford’s first standalone Starbucks has opened.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The first standalone Starbucks has opened in Safford in the Mt. Graham Shopping Center at 1906 W. Thatcher Blvd. The location first welcomed customers on Wednesday.
The store is roughly 2,400 square feet and employs about 20 people. It features both indoor and outdoor seating and encourages customers to lounge while enjoying the beverages and food offerings.
The indoor seating area is one of the perks that has brought customer Kris Sheryl to the store every day since it opened Wednesday as the location’s first regular.
“The first time I ever had Starbucks was in Seattle in 1991 and I was so impressed that I’ve been drinking it ever since,” Sheryl said. “I love it, and I love this setting. It’s so nice just to sit and relax and enjoy.”
In addition to both hot and cold coffee-based beverages, the store also sells sandwiches, pastries, and pumpkin bread, as well as other store merchandise.
Posted hours are Monday – Friday, 4 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. The store also features a drive-through lane.