By Steve Nakata, Administrative Services
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University will have its first full-service, licensed Starbucks store when the new Digital Classroom Building opens in the fall.
The goal is to have a soft opening as students return during the Week of Welcome and have the store fully operational by the first day of class on Aug. 22.
The store will offer a full menu of Starbucks food and drink products, as well as gift cards.
WSU Dining Services Director Gary Coyle expects it to be a destination coffee shop: “We anticipate that it will draw people in from all over campus and the Pullman community.”
The 800-square-foot store will be on the first floor of one of the busiest buildings on campus.
“The classrooms will seat about 1,000 people and there are informal learning spaces for an additional 500 people,” said Louise Sweeney, project manager lead for WSU Facilities Services. “The Starbucks will definitely see a lot of foot traffic.”
Coyle said he anticipates store setup and training of three permanent employees in July. Baristas must complete 40 hours of training and receive Starbucks certification before they serve customers.
“We’ve been in discussion with Starbucks for several years about opening a licensed store on campus and I think it’s going to be very successful,” he said.
News media contacts:
Gary Coyle, WSU Dining Services, 509-335-7039, gcoyle@wsu.edu
Louise Sweeney, WSU Facility Services, 509-335-4437, lasweeney@wsu.edu
Steve Nakata, WSU Administrative Services communication, 509-335-1774, nakata@wsu.edu
