Plans for a new Starbucks in downtown Pullman

PULLMAN, WASH – Downtown Pullman could be seeing a new Starbucks location in the near future. 

Forza Development LLC, wants to demolish the former Oasis Teriyaki & Pho restaurant on 530 E. Main St. to build  a new drive-thru Starbucks location, according to documents Forza sent to Pullman City Council.

Part of this location includes about 12 feet by 56 feet of city owned property. The developer states that if they do not receive the portion of the property, they would need to redesign their cite plan. City council can decide to sell the property, negotiate a ground lease or retain the city property.

This new location would  feature a double-lane drive-thru along with a pedestrian and mobile order window… a first of its kind here in Pullman. The other two Starbucks drive-thru locations in the area do not have double lanes, nor a mobile order window.

The advantage of this kind of model is that you can create a lot more stacking and flow, to help cars move in and out of the cite very efficiently.  Which is a common issue the other Starbucks in the area deal with. A lot of traffic overflow from the drive-thru line spills out into the street.

A public notice sign is right in front of the Starbucks on Stadium Way to notify drivers it is illegal to stop in the middle of the street. The Pullman Police can fine drivers stopped in the street up to $139.

Mixed emotions are around the city with this possible development.

“It’s a drive-thru location that is near a non-square intersection and could be an issue if we had traffic backing up into that,” Ann Parks, the ward 1 Pullman City Council member said.

Residents in Pullman, such as students are more in favor of the plan.

“The road leading into one of the Starbucks in Pullman makes you stay in the street, in the middle of traffic, when the line is too long. It is very stressful to be in the driver’s position, inconveniencing other drivers. I think a third Starbucks location would be very beneficial because it would help reduce traffic at the other locations,” Emily Johnson, WSU student said.  

At the city council meeting on Tuesday, they made a motion to negotiate a ground lease. This Starbucks plan is not finalized and more will be discussed at a later date.