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Letter to the editor

Hint of a Starbucks delights and worries

Some folks in Dunedin are concerned about fallout from the coffee giant on local businesses.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY
Published June 24, 2007

DUNEDIN - A proposal to redevelop a busy corner on Main Street could - maybe, possibly, conceivably - bring Starbucks to downtown Dunedin.

It would be the first national chain retailer to open in what has been for years a lively area characterized by independent, even quirky businesses.

Joe Kokolakis, president of J Kokolakis Contracting and a city resident of 20 years, closed last week on the property, the home of Allen's Florist.

Kokolakis said he has a letter of intent from the international coffee franchise to take up shop at 312 Main St. No lease agreements have been made with Starbucks.

Kokolakis' plans for the property include adding a cafe and keeping the existing businesses: the florist's, a jeweler and a dress shop. His next step is to submit plans to the city building department. He said construction will be done in phases so all businesses will remain open.

The redevelopment would have a facade that makes the separate businesses look as if they're individual buildings.

Kokolakis wants the city to facilitate discussions with SunTrust Bank, which owns the little park next to the eastern edge of the property. The hope is to have an entrance from the building to the park where chairs and tables can be placed.

To accommodate a cafe and make room for 15 parking spaces, Kokolakis said he plans to reduce the 3, 000-square-foot florist's shop to 1, 000 square feet.

Kokolakis presented his plan last week before the city Community Redevelopment Agency, which is made up of the city commissioners.

"I'm delighted that Starbucks wants to be in Dunedin, " said Commissioner Julie Scales.

Only Commissioner Julie Ward Bujalski said she was concerned about the possibility of Starbucks coming to Dunedin. She cited concerns with traffic and accommodating enough parking.

Gregory Brady, owner of Gregory's Salon and chair of the CRA advisory committee said the possible arrival of a national chain to downtown Dunedin, brings mixed emotions.

Some small business owners think a Starbucks would bring more foot traffic to their stores, Brady said. Others are concerned about a corporate business arriving in an entrepreneurial town and fear Starbucks could take away business away from local restaurants that serve coffee and breakfast.

If Starbucks does come to town, Brady said he hopes it participates in community events.

"If it's going to happen I hope they come in with the entrepreneurial spirit we have all enjoyed, " he said.

Commissioner Dave Eggers said "mom and pop" businesses will continue to be the backbone of the city but that, "I too am excited about the fact that we're starting to get a new wave, if you will, of interest in downtown."

Tamara El-Khoury can be reached at tel-khoury@sptimes.com or 727 445-4181.

[Last modified June 23, 2007, 21:49:16]