Starbucks Coffee Company and Earvin "Magic" Johnson Brew Up Excitement in East Lansing
EAST LANSING, Mich., Sep 27, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Starbucks and Johnson Development Corporation Announce their
Newest Starbucks Store Near Johnson's Hometown
Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) and Johnson Development
Corporation (JDC) celebrate the grand opening of a new Starbucks store
in East Lansing (401 E. Grand River Rd., across from Michigan State
University) on Wednesday, September 29, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
The location is one of eight stores owned by Urban Coffee
Opportunities, L.L.C., a 50/50 joint venture between Starbucks and JDC,
to develop Starbucks stores in inner city and urban locations
throughout the United States. This innovative venture, announced in
February 1998, combines the retail strength of Starbucks with JDC's
knowledge of under-served communities in key metropolitan areas.
The community is invited to meet both Earvin "Magic" Johnson, JDC
Chairman and CEO, and Howard Schultz, chairman and ceo, Starbucks
Coffee Company, to sample Starbucks signature beverages and pastries
and to hear members of the Michigan State University Band.
At the grand opening, Johnson will dedicate his three jerseys from his
extensive basketball career (Lansing Everett high school, Michigan
State University and the Los Angeles Lakers) to the East Lansing
Starbucks for display. This is the first time all three jerseys will be
displayed in one location. The store also features a special mural
designed for the partnership depicting Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
"The East Lansing location is one of two partnership stores in Michigan
-- we are excited about both the Detroit location and this one near
Johnson's hometown," said Kenneth Lombard, president of JDC. On
September 17, Starbucks and JDC also opened the doors of a new
Starbucks store in Southfield, MI, in the Telegraph & 9-Mile Hayes
Plaza (22506 Telegraph Rd.).
Born and raised in Lansing, MI, and a graduate of Michigan State
University, Johnson is pleased to open a Starbucks location near his
hometown. "East Lansing is a place I hold close to my heart and I'm
very excited to be giving something back to this community," Johnson
said.
Starbucks and JDC have opened six other locations in Los Angeles,
Seattle, Harlem, Atlanta and San Francisco.
"The communities have truly embraced our current locations, turning
them into trendy neighborhood gathering places," said Johnson. "The
partnership stores exceeded our expectations and we anticipate that
both the new East Lansing location and the Hayes Plaza location will do
the same."
"We are committed to ongoing expansion into inner city locations, and
plan to open at least 12 stores by the end of the year 2000," said
Schultz. "In addition to a commitment to hiring locally, we also work
with local non-profit organizations to develop long-term relationships
that will benefit the community."
The East Lansing Starbucks is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m.
- 11 p.m.; Friday from 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. - 12 a.m.
and Sunday from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Johnson Development Corporation, a company formed in 1994 by Johnson,
is comprised of five separate companies, each functioning independently
to serve as a business stimulus, foster local economic growth and
create financial empowerment in long neglected minority urban and
suburban neighborhoods. JDC develops entertainment complexes,
restaurants and retail centers. The development projects provide jobs
and employ local minority contractors in the communities in which they
operate.
Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of
specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in
North America, the United Kingdom, the Pacific Rim, and the Middle
East, Starbucks sells whole bean coffees through its specialty sales
group, direct response business, supermarkets and online at
www.starbucks.com. Additionally, Starbucks produces and sells bottled
Frappuccino(R) coffee drink and a line of premium ice creams through
its joint venture partnerships and offers a line of innovative premium
teas produced by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tazo Tea Company.
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