Yes it has been confirmed, STARBUCKS COFFEE Company will be openning on 37 Ave! The neighborhood has been waiting for the arrival of its’ first international retailer to 37th Avenue. We would like to welcome Starbucks to our office building at 78-27 37th Avenue, The Queensboro Building! All the rumors have come true according to our landlord News Realty. They have confirmed that Starbucks has signed a lease in the hood. I would like to thank all of the owners and staff at News Realty for their continued efforts toward enriching our community. We are proud to share an address with STARBUCKS COFFEE. See you here soon!
This is good news. We are in need of a few stores for logo-seeking tourists.
But let’s hope this is not a commercial gentrification that will push up retail rents, transforming our entrepreneurial residents into coffee mixers.
Thanks Tom. I agree about logo-seeking tourists. The Retail store rents on 37 Avenue are expensive. I am just happy to have a place in the hood where everyone can gather.
It’s not at all like we don’t have oodles of places to gather.
And if I may ask, who is Jackson Heights Blog? It would be good to have his/her bio in a prominent position. Perhaps in the About section.
Oh no Starbucks!! I rather the smaller coffee cafés, once one big name comes in so will the next and that nice neighborhood feeling may eventually vanish. $3 for coffee?
Small business will suffer. I guess to some degree you have to cater to everyone.
Heeeellloooooo! In my opinion, this is a sign of what’s to come for Jackson Heights….perhaps we’re selling too soon Michele
haha
Hey, I’m all about progress…but small businesses have found a home in JH…guess wait and see. Luckily, for now, there are still options. Not everyone is willing to pay $3 on stale coffee – - lol That’s my opinion!! lol
Hi, Jackson Heights Blog is being hosted by Michele Beaudoin. I am a native, resident, neighbor, and business owner of Jackson Heights. I apologize for my nieve blog behavior. If you go to my logo BeaudoinRealtor you will get to my website for my profile. I am building this blog since 11/2.
LuLu, It is the sign of better quality retailers. By the way, it is never too late to stop the sale of your coop! You can always buy a house in the hood instead of going south of the boarder! Thanks LuLu I appreciate your opinion.
The retailers in Jackson Heights today are inferior quality compared to what JH had in 1960s, 1970s through the late 1980s. Today it is a expensive endeavor to start up a retail store. So I welcome a retailer who has ethics and social responsibity! It isn’t WalMart!
Wow, Michelle. This is a great endeavor, and something of potential value to residents. Keep up the good work! (Perhaps something about local attorney/criminals?)
We miss the old ‘hood, but are thriving up here in the country. Please send our best wishes all around.
Steve and Sarah (and Sam)
Hi Michelle, is that Max in the hotdog?! Cool, he looks like he was having fun. Next year we’ll bring Lucy and Tabitha. So glad to hear about SBucks. Truth be told rather spend my dollars in the neighborhood instead of the city.
It is VERY disappointing to hear that the giant multi-national is moving into a working class neighborhood.
I hope, although probably too late, that the yuppies won’t be trailing in behind it.
I wish the realtors would find another planet to colonize with their ideas of “growth” and leave our small working class neighborhood alone. The last thing we need is a bunch of rich Manhattanites moving in!
Jackson Heights Resident
Re: Inferior stores
This is where it starts. Now I guess the next agenda will be to drive the “inferior stores” out and get a bunch of expensive boutiques for the rich that will take over.
Drive out the working class and that’s what you call “progress”
It is disappointing to learn who are new neighbors are!
If you don’t like Starbucks, don’t go there. What the neighborhood does NOT need more of are cheap shabby subdivided shoe/cell phone stores. The arrival of Starbucks is a good thing but we also need fruit stores and bakeries too. I miss Fruity World!
Very disappointing to hear about Starbucks! Not what I wanted when I moved into this neighborhood.
way to go Michelle, nice job on the blog.
I have to agree I think SBucks will be good for the neighborhood, personally I prefer DD coffee so just because it is there doesnt mean you have to go……..I agree with the comment – SBucks is better than another, Shoe or Cell phone store,
Ok, ok, let this not get out of hand now….PEACE please
The purpose of a blog is to have an open forum to discuss matters that matter to everyone. Everyone should be entitled to their opinion, some will agree and others won’t but that’s the beauty of it! It can be though provoking at times. No need to bring down others because of their likes or dislikes. It’s true, if someone doesn’t like Starbucks, we just don’t go there! (mind you I said “we” which includes ME); still someone shouldn’t be underminded for their opinion.
The issue is much bigger than our choice of going or not going to Starbucks.
This will ultimately push realty prices up (good for realtors)however, push people out of the neighborhood that can’t afford the higher rents.
The problem is not the people moving in that can afford more, but companies, like realtors, that get involved in pushing a company, like Starbucks to move in. Eventually driving other small stores out and making it an influential upper class place to live.
A place for a few, not for all, which is what JH right now represents
J.
Agreed Jose. Not many would voice it but ultimately … unfortunately …. that seems to be the goal. I can see it now in the RE ads “Starbucks just around the corner!” I guess that’s a clincher for some. Hopefully, we can still see the positive side to this. Happy weekend to all
I agree that if you do not like Starbucks, just don’t go there. However, it do think it will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
I have looked at the Starbucks effect, and it actually is not what we would think. While it may not happen here, and I’ll personally still go to my already favorite coffee places, when Starbucks opens, even right next door to another coffee place, it provides an “umbrella” for the other place to try introducing higher priced items. Coffee shop owners in that situation actually end up making more money than they did before Starbucks opened.
If Jackson Heights had decent one-of-a-kind retailers, I would be less willing to be happy about this. But let’s face it, we don’t. How about a nice bookstore, now?
Fred,I would like to give thanks for your positive response. What about getting a Barnes and Noble bookstore in Starbucks or vise versa! Brilliant possibility!
Being born & bred in Jackson Heights I believe in the middle class. I am just like all Americans looking for the American Dream. I am a product of Roosvelt Avenue and 93 Street. My family had a Mom & Pop Home Improvement Store. The family lived upstairs. I am only here to enrich the quality of life in Jackson Heights. I understand the ethics of business and neighborly courtesy.
It is tough to run a small busniess in NYC. Believe me small businesses are eaten up by lots of taxes, insurances, licenses, high rent, etc.
Definitely a bookstore is needed. What would be great is a NYSC on Northern! (one can dream…)
Thank goodness we have so many choices in America! Actually my office has a Nespresso machine that is the greatest expresso in the hood! That is my opinion!
Thanks to Espi, Steve Sara & Sam, Susan who are so positive about the blog…Just trying to stay hip…tech wise! LOL
Born and raised in JH, moved to warmer places but still love to visit! I love watching the neighborhood evolve and like to think Star”bucks” won’t change the flavor and feel of the hood. Need to get a bookstore, thought that for years..hope to visit soon!!
Yay!! Starbucks!! If there were actually decent and cozy mom & pop coffee shops, then I could understand why everyone is so crazy about this. But there’s no sanctuary to go and have a good latte in the neighborhood. If that sounds “yuppie” then I guess we’ve arrived!!
Hey Michele, maybe we can have coffee, I mean espresso, meet-ups at your office and discuss the hood
Recently left Jackson Heights after living there for 12 years, I miss it terribly, but had no choice. However, Starbucks won’t be the start of regentrification. It already started a few years back when Luigi’s Restaurant, Merva’s Boutique and Bud’s Bar were asked to pay exorbitant rents. Store owners ‘wake up and smell the coffee’.
Now that Eckerd drugs on 82nd Street looks like it is becoming yet another Rite Aid, what will become of the Rite Aid currently on 37th and 83rd? That seems like a good location for a small bookstore like a Borders.
I tried the restaurant that replaced Luigi’s. The humiliating and insulting outfits that the waitresses wear is the reason I won’t go back.
Hello Michele,
Thanks for this great site. I think Starbucks is becoming a scapegoat for a lot of concerns that people have, including the outrageous rents that have been a problem at least since the late ’80s when we moved here.
Gentrification already was under way back then. It’s had lulls and leaps forward then, but what’s driving it is the massive drop in NYC crime* in NYC; the growing appeal of city living, especially for people with kids; and the worsening of traffic and other problems in the suburbs.
Improving schools,landmarking and JHBG’s efforts have also helped make the community more desirable.
*Crime – Prostitutes arguing with johns at 2 a.m. were a regular occurance, as were car breakins, car thefts and even thefts of plants from front gardens.
Great going Michelle. and Good luck with this endeavor.
I’ve lived here for more than forty years, and have had connections to the neighborhood before that. Yes, it has changed. I personally do very little shopping here now because I prefer the stores in Manhattan….food, clothing, books, etc. I dislike all the cell phone/”beauty parlor”/dollar shops on every block. While I don’t like Starbucks’ prices, it would be a hoot to have one here. Bookstore? We’ve tried for one forever! Hight rents for small shop owners are a problem on the Upper West Side too!
We are a multi-ethnic community and therefore do have to serve a variety of needs. However…….????? Personal care in a community, and this is a REAL community, should be preserved!
Thanks Michelle!
Thinking about this whole Starbucks issue, it would be interesting to know what the siting criteria they use is. I have no idea, but there must be something about demographics that convinced them JH is “worthy” of a bunch of baristas. Or else they are running out of places to put their stores (?).
And the more I ponder the neighborhood, as it is now, I don’t think gentrification is something to worry about. It won’t happen too quickly, and anyone who wants to move here so they can drink that coffee, well, good for them!!
Hi there. Just letting you know that there’s now a link on http://www.jhbg.org to this blog, and specifically to The Great Coffee Debate. Thanks for the postings re: the Halloween parade and other JHBG efforts…as a membership volunteer for the JHBG, may I gently ask people who are considering becoming a member to do so, so the good work can continue. Cheers!
I am absolutely thrilled that Starbucks is risking its entry into the Jackson Heights commercial market, currently dominated by shabby stores offering nothing of interest to people like me – of whom, believe it or not, there are many in Jackson Heights. The reason I am excited has nothing to do with coffee and everything to do with the prospect of upscale, attractive stores reappearing in this once-elegant neighborhood, which, one can only hope, will again have a time in the sun. Then I won’t have to do all my shopping in Manhattan!
Josh…Thanks for the JHBG link Josh and your continued dedication the JHBG.
Don you hit the nail on the head! Yes we need a better selection of stores. Some of the thought out and well designed stores such as Inner Peace and Rudy Volcano are attractive to stroll by. I purposely purchase one of a kind-type items because they have a value. I am so happy to be a part of the community and give back. As you I am, excitedthat the neighborhood is going in an upward direction! See you in the hood!
BTW, the yuppies are already here in Jackson Heights. Real Estate prices have skyrocketed here in the past 5 years. That seems to be clear indication.
While Starbucks is not great, it is much better than any of the other “coffee” places we currently have. And I see no signs of Espresso 77 actually opening or for that matter, actually surviving considering how long it has taken them to renovate, they will be out of business in a year. Starbucks will soon be the only choice for a real coffee. And since they serve food and have wi-fi, all the better.
At the rate that Starbuck’s is going, it looks like we won’t be having that coffee in quite a long while as well!
What the neighborhood really needs is an Italian restaurant. One on a 10 block strip is hardly enough. Also where can one buy good men’s clothing? Nowhere! I’d like to be able to buy a decent suit or a fine pair of trousers.
Sorry but Starbucks is definitely not “real” coffee lol Go anywhere in South and Central America whom are the top coffee exporters and you will never find such a starch, sour tasting coffee anywhere. It’s ok people drink it, they know nothing else but Starbucks…but it’s narrow minded to think it is the only choice for “real” coffee. It just makes me wonder why people would think so…hey, everyone’s tastebuds are different! Thank goodness for options!
Deseo, I agree with you 100%. I also don’t understand the fascination with Starbuck’s coffee. I find it low quality and it has a burnt aftertaste. But, hey…different strokes for different folks. The coffee I make at home can never be duplicated at any Starbuck’s, but I do understand the need for a place that offers choices and perhaps a place to hang and relax while at the same time enjoying a cup of coffee.
Stopped by Espresso77 Sunday and the work is proceeding. The owners are friendly and said they are on target for a December opening.
I’ve got no problem with a Starbucks, but I’d rather support a good local place (which I’m hoping it will be) run by Jackson Heights residents – and two architects at that.
-Len
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Finally! Starbucks is really coming to the neighborhood! Now I don’t have to get in my Rolls Royce and drive to Astoria just to get a bloody decent cup of coffee!
Viva la gentrification!
Hey everyone,
I’m a freelance reporter and a student at Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism.
I cover Jackson Heights, which is amazing and fun.
I’m doing a story on Starbucks coming to the hood.
It would be great to hear some of your views for the piece. Please email me at betwasharma@gmail.com
and we can take it from there on the phone or via email.
Hope to hear from you.
thanks and happy thanksgiving (-;
I’m with you Imaniace…I’ll always support the mom and pop shops..Starbucks doesn’t need my $ lol I did mention coffee is not top quality but as Cooperator noted, it may be a good option to sit back and relax. Their hot chocolate is not bad and the pastry selections are ok…I am curious though about Espresso77 – can’t wait!
Betwasharma call me or use the blog info! You have plenty of comments.
I am so surprised that Starbucks has gotten so much attention.
I am sure that there are other issues and ideas for JH that needs more attention. Such as the traffic situation on 72,73, 74, 75 & 76 Streets & 37 Avenue. I think we need more garbage cans on 35 Avenue or more trees and tree surrounds! Why is there such a big deal about a coffee shop that is everywhere else in America! I see lots of people going to Burger King and MCDonald’s on 82 Street! Starbucks takes care of their employees. Why is Starbucks causing so much controversy in the hood?
i actually did a story on the traffic situation on 73rd street and turned it in a week ago
i think the Starbucks is an interesting story as well
i’m just the reporter, the residents make the news
however a new development
someone i met in Jackson Heights today said Starbucks IS NOT COMING…the rent is too much!!!
if anyone has more information on this please let us know
Real Estate or Rumors!????
Did you get in touch with Western Jackson Heights Alliance? WJHA.COM is a site to look at for your research. Great civic organization!
BTW, rumors are a dime a dozen around the hood! There is a lot of gossip in JH. Starbucks signed the lease with their landlord. It is confirmed!
There is a new condo conversion in JH at 80-09 35 Avenue.(see the post on this blog) A New Construction project on the corner of 34 Avenue and 74 Street…now there is a sign for sale! So give my office a call if you need to know about what is happening with Real Estate in Jackson Heights and LIC! I look forward to hearing from you soon.
BTW where is your article published and when????
I posted this on another JH website and thought I’d post here as well.
“I’m hoping the outside isn’t the typical Starbucks cookie cutter design that I’ve seen all over Manhattan. I’ve read that the JHBG is being active in how the outside will look. I was thinking something along the lines of this:”
Picture here: http://www.jacksonheightslife.com/community/index.php?topic=9.15
Well, not rumors anymore..I passed by today and their floor plan wzs all laid out there in the open and on the top right hand of the page…the Starbucks cafe logo. So rejoice those that are looking forward to it
Personally, I am still trying to enjoy a sip of coffee at Espresso 77 but still .. no luck!! Always full!! I been reading recent posted blogs about the place and Wi-Fi users staying there for an unlimited amount of time…I believe it to be true because I’ve walked by numerous times..within a 2 hour span and..some of the same ppl are still there. Perhaps with Starbucks opening, surely they will be Wi-Fi and people will have more options to…sit all day, browse online, check emails, freelance..and have their coffee! 
I certainly do not have a problem with Starbucks as it does take care of it’s employees, health insurance, etc. I also think that having the so called “shabby stores” can co-exist, no reason to make-over the entire neighborhood. I think having nothing but “quality stores” as some call it, will take away from the quaintness and what makes a neighborhood a neighborhood. I agree with Maria, that there’s nothing wrong with keeping the working class in this area. I personally am a professional, in fact, became one when the term “yuppie” came out in the 80’s(not that I am one). But, I certainly do not that a great “hood” constitues beautiful “upscale” stores with a bunch of professional, ultra-educated residing in it.
I think we need a better variety of stores. A place to purchase, cotton sheets or maybe a nice pair of shoes. What about a pair of jeans that fit with a regular cotton top! Some of the over sized manequins in the windows of certain Sexyware stores are far from any class but low class! We are looking for stores with value merchandise that we can purchase. I really cannot understand what is quaint about 99 cents stores & sexywear in the windows in our neighborhood shops. A pair of tights or stockings, a shirt, hardware or books are hard to find in the Historic District!
By quaint I was referring to some of the internet places that are shabby looking. I also think the thrift stores are great.I wasn’t speaking about the sexy stores, which I basically walk right by. I wonder what some, not all, think that quality means high-priced, etc. Sorry if you got me all wrong.