Did you get the memo on Starbucks?
The coffee giant won't say it is coming to Dunedin, but a city official put it in writing.
By TAMARA EL-KHOURY, Times Staff Writer
Published October 4, 2007
DUNEDIN - Those in the know don't want to say anything. But they don't have to: It's already in print.
Starbucks is coming to downtown Dunedin.
So says a memo written by Robert Ironsmith, director of economic development and housing:
"Staff is quite pleased that Starbucks wishes to locate downtown," he wrote in the Sept. 24 memo.
And a contract agreement between the city and the owner of the future Starbucks site written by City Attorney John Hubbard:
"During the term of the lease with the donor's tenant, Starbucks, which shall be an initial term of ten years ...," Hubbard wrote.
Key players in the deal won't officially say Starbucks is coming to the city. Instead, they're making vague statements, which leave plenty of room for interpretation.
Ironsmith said he didn't realize his memo was so strongly worded.
"It sounds like a done deal, but I'm surprised it was that strong," he said. "Frankly, I said what I said. It is what it is."
A Florida marketing specialist for Starbucks deflected comment to a public relations agency. The agency said they couldn't comment.
Finally, marketing specialist Chris Musser said this:
"At this point in time we do not have a signed lease at the Dunedin property, but we're always looking for great locations."
The site's owner, Joe Kokolakis, president of J Kokolakis Contracting and a city resident of 20 years, closed on 312 Main St. in June. The site is the home of Allen's Florist.
When asked about the coffee giant, he chose his words carefully.
"What I have from Starbucks officially is an executed letter of intent outlining the terms of a forthcoming lease," Kokolakis said.
He also said he is working with their architects.
Kokolakis said he will redevelop the site and keep the same tenants: the florist, MJ Fashions & Gifts, a dress shop and Maurice Jewelers. The florist shop will be reduced from 3,000 square feet to 1,000 square feet to make room for 15 parking spaces and a cafe - the Starbucks.
In June, Kokolakis came before the city's Community Redevelopment Agency, which is made up of the city commissioners. He presented his plans to redevelop the site and said he had a letter of intent from the national coffee company.
Since then, Kokolakis entered negotiations with SunTrust Bank to buy the small park it owns next to his property. He won't say how much he's paying for the park. He intends to donate the park to the city, keeping 15 feet of the property to use as outdoor seating for the Starbucks.
Thursday, the City Commission will act on the city staff's recommendation to approve the donation of the park. The city will be responsible for its maintenance, which will cost about $6,000 a year.
So what's the controversy? Why all the hush? Starbucks stores are everywhere. There are two in Clearwater Mall: a stand-alone store and another in the Super Target.
But downtown Dunedin is different. Starbucks will be the first national chain in the city's downtown, which is known for its quirky and cute mom-and-pop stores.
In his memo, Ironsmith acknowledged there is some concern about the arrival of a national franchise downtown but said Starbucks can generate a lot of foot traffic, which will benefit other businesses.
Kokolakis said city staff members are reviewing site plans. They must be approved before he can get the permits to start construction. The Starbucks is a year away, he said.
Tamara El-Khoury can be reached at 727 445-4181 or tel-khoury@sptimes.com