Starbucks opening in Kings Heath is no competition to independent coffee shops

Independent coffee shops in Kings Heath are welcoming the announcement of a new Starbucks drive-thru.

With 39 Starbucks’ in Birmingham already, 11 just in the city centre, the company is now planning to expand to South Birmingham.

King’s Heath is a family friendly area, with the high street including a number of small and family run restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques.

Despite the arrival of an international billion-dollar company in the area, Abdul Ahad from Coffee #1 feels positive for the potential rival’s welcome.

He said: “Coffee business thrives here in Kings Heath, so I think as lots of cars drive past, they’ll do good business and this could affect us positively if it gets busier.

“We’re a unique coffee shop and have locals, so I don’t think it will affect us too much.”

A spokesperson from Kitchen Garden Café also commented: “We already have a Costa on the high street so I wouldn’t feel as if I was in competition with either Costa nor Starbucks.”

The current Moss House offices will be transformed into the 3rd Starbucks drive-thru in Birmingham. This comes after the first drive-thru was launched in Edgbaston in 2014, then a second opening in Northfield in April 2017.

A spokesperson from Starbucks said: “We’re always looking for opportunities to reach new customers, however, there isn’t anything further I can share.

“Starbucks always aim to open new stores with close links to the local communities they serve.”

Starbucks is currently awaiting planning permission by officials.

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