Starbucks, the nation’s largest and most prominent coffee chain, is taking it to another level with a new two-story location coming to Gilbert.
The new Starbucks is part of a $125 million Mercy Center going up in Gilbert near Val Vista Drive and the Loop 202 Santan Freeway, according to KTAR News. This development will include a five-story Residence Inn by Marriott, a Homewood Suites Hotel, retail, office, and restaurant space, including new locations for Chipotle, 7-Eleven, and Nautical Bowls. The new Starbucks will feature a fire pit and patio space on both levels. The company already has over 500 locations in the state.
Construction for this project is expected to begin next week, with no apparent opening date. Considering this development’s size, it is likely this location won’t be opening until late 2023 or early next year. While the new site proves the company is showing no signs of slowing down, Starbucks continues to struggle with multiple locations going on strike. These individuals hope to improve health and safety, hours and staffing, dress code, and work culture. A location in Litchfield Park unionized last month, making it the fifth Starbucks store in the state.
“The freshly unionized Litchfield Starbucks partners have joined the fight against the company’s hour cuts, inadequate staffing, disregard for partner safety, and refusal to bargain with the union in good faith,” James Seeberger, a media representative for Starbucks Workers United, said in a news release.
