The opening of the new Starbucks Coffee store in the Market Basket Mall last Friday attracted a pretty good crowd of elected officials and new customers. Pictured here at the official ribbon cutting before the store opened was Starbucks manager Tim Waites, Dockside owner Jack Urbaczewski, ZBA member Arthur Arsenault, Council President Leo Robinson, Store Manager Jenn Salamone (along with several employees), City Manager Jay Ash, State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein, Councillor Brian Hatleberg, John Mahoney, Market Basket Manager Kevin Feole, and property representative Steve Cucinatti.
For many places in the country, the opening of a Starbucks Coffee store means nothing more than good coffee close to home, but for Chelsea, last Friday’s opening of Starbucks meant those outside the city truly believe in its possibilities.
“The Starbucks is even more impressive than I imagined it would be,” said City Manager Jay Ash. “There is a feeling of a cosmopolitan cafe that is as inviting as the products being sold there. It’s a great addition to all that we have going on here, and another sign that national and international companies believe that Chelsea is the right place to invest.”
But it was also cause for pride by many local residents, including Miguel Bautista, who brought his daughter, Alyssa, to the store on the opening day.
“I came here because I’m a huge Starbucks fan,” he said, while waiting in line for his morning coffee. “I used to go to the one in Saugus and now I can just come here. It’s great because this store is just right around the corner from my house and I don’t have to drive up Rt. 1. I definitely feel it shows Chelsea is up and coming because it’s a high-end coffee shop. It feels good to see that kind of thing in Chelsea.”
As dignitaries, elected officials and city leaders crowded into the new cafe for its opening day last Friday, most were impressed by the details in the new store.
It clearly wasn’t the standard Starbucks.
There were numerous comfortable tables, an actual coffee bar and an extensive selection of retail products. In addition to the inside digs, the store has a large front patio with tables and umbrellas for coffee-drinkers to enjoy the summer weather.
“We’re very excited to be here and feel this is a great opportunity,” said Starbucks manager Tim Waites.
The store is located in the old Mystic Mall across from the Market Basket. The store manager is Jenn Salamone.
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