by Matt Wright
Lakeland’s second Starbucks, located at the entrance of The Lake District on Canada Road, is officially open as of Monday, March 29, 2021.
While a press release was not officially extended from the corporate office announcing the opening, a “We’re Open” banner could be seen hanging outside the new location as of this morning. While indoor dining is still not available (at any local Starbucks), patrons can go inside to place a to go order, use the drive thru or enjoy the outdoor dining space.
Residents were already enjoying Starbucks products this afternoon, as they enjoyed the outdoor dining area on a beautiful spring day. Lakeland resident Ari Morris enjoyed the new location with her children and was excited about the proximity of this store to her home. “It’s great,” Mrs. Morris said, “because this location is in my normal routine. I don’t have to drive out of my way at all,” she said. Lakeland resident Belinda Henry was also enjoying the outdoor dining space with her children this afternoon. “I think they are still working out a few bugs but we received everything we ordered and everything tasted great.”
Lakeland Preparatory School Assistant Principal, Corrie Martin, stopped by to pick up an order this afternoon and raved about the new location. “I absolutely love this new location,” Mrs. Martin said. She added, “Everyone working was smiling and ready to help me. I know I will be enjoying that patio in weeks to come!”
The Lake District Starbucks is quite unique and was designed by developer Yehuda Netanel. Mr. Netanel told Lakeland Currents last fall the Starbucks building was designed to look like an old pump house and there’s not another design like it in the world.
This is also a milestone for The Lake District itself, with its first retail location officially opening. The rest of phase one is still under construction in the nearly $400 million multi-use development. More openings in the development are expected later this summer.
