Starbucks to Open 20,000-Square-Foot Store in Chelsea

While I make it a point to go to mom-and-pop coffee joints when I have the chance, I'm not a complete snob about Starbucks -- mainly 'cause its espresso is fine and I'd rather have a new Starbucks than another Chase bank or nail salon open around town. That being said, I'm not sure my beloved -- and beleaguered -- neighborhood needs to be the home of the coffee giant's largest store in the world. But that's what's about to happen.

WSJ reports:

Starbucks Corp. aims to go bigger and bolder in New York City, planning to make southwest Chelsea the home of its largest store in the world.

The Seattle-based coffee retailer said Tuesday that it would set up its second roastery in a 20,000-square-foot space at the bottom of a boutique office building at 61 Ninth Ave. The massive store, expected to open in 2018, will be modeled on the company’s Seattle roastery, which the company describes as “coffee-as-theater” and a highly sensorial experience.

At the 15,000-square-foot Seattle location, where the company roasts small batches of rare coffees, customers chat with baristas to learn about the various methods of brewing and sourcing, and taste the high-end coffees. 

“In New York we want to take elements from what we originally created and build something even bigger and bolder,” said Starbucks Chairman and Chief Executive Howard Schultz.

I guess if the onslaught of tourists visiting the Meatpacking district, Apple store and Chelsea Market weren't enough to keep me out of the area, this seals the deal.