Safford Starbucks open for business

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Safford's first standalone Starbucks has opened.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Safford’s first standalone Starbucks has opened.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

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.   

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The location features a wide assortment of drinks and food offerings as well as store merchandise.

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. 

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: There are various ways to sit indoors and outdoors at the location.

“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.” 

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Spacious seating is available indoors.

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.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The location also features a drive-through.

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.