Drive-thru/walk-up concept for coffee

SEATTLE - Seattle’s Best Coffee has opened a drive-thru and walk-up mini store in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood, the first of more to come in 2013. Less than 600 square feet, the store is located in an accessible area with a pedestrian- and bike-friendly walk-up window adjacent to the sidewalk. Customers will be able to see their orders being prepared from the window.

Seattle’s Best is part of Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX). Its concept is meant to appeal to a large and growing number of customers who are getting their coffee on-the-go, completely transforming the retail strategy for the brand. According to NPD Group, last year 12.4 billion visits were made through drive-thrus, a 2% increase over the prior year.

“Customers are demanding better coffee everywhere they go and we believe we’ve cracked the code on how to deliver a premium cup of coffee in the fast lane at just the right price,” said Jim McDermet, senior vice president and general manager, Seattle’s Best Coffee. “We have completely overhauled our store concept both inside and out. Our drive-thru store features a new menu of affordable, delicious, car-friendly beverages and food for customers who need a one-stop destination without any compromises, any time of the day.”

The updated menu line-up includes signature food items and combo meals. With equal focus on coffee drinks (including their dessert-inspired drinks like Birthday Cake Latte) and all-day-long food items (muffins, sandwiches, pretzel and pies), the menu is unique in the current marketplace.

Photo: The 600-square-foot drive-thru/walk-up Seattle's Best store where you can get coffee, snacks and combo meals

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