Starbucks opening delayed to Nov. 7

The grand opening of the Starbucks on the middle floor of 1920 Commons has been delayed until Nov. 7.

The coffee shop was originally scheduled to open in mid-October.

The three-week delay is a result of a change in plans between Starbucks and the Aramark Corporation, which is in charge of dining operations at Penn.

The initial opening date was based on Starbucks providing all of the supplies used behind the counter and Aramark decorating the rest of the store area, as well as providing chairs and tables, according to Director of Aramark Operations at Penn Mike Masone.

Since the project began, plans were changed to allow Starbucks to decorate and furnish the facility, which delayed construction because new furniture had to be ordered and Starbucks had to redesign the interior. Aramark representatives say that this will make for a completely authentic Starbucks on campus.

Although construction is not yet complete, today marks the first day of employee training for what will be the only Starbucks "directly on campus." There is another Starbucks a few blocks from the new location, on the corner of 34th and Walnut streets.

Like all Aramark establishments, the new Starbucks will accept Dining Dollars and Penn Cash.

Coffee drinkers on campus are both anxious for the opening and disappointed by the delay.

"I was looking forward to it coming, but [the delay] won't make me any less of a customer," said Wharton and College sophomore Kristen Giacobbe, adding that the new Starbucks is very conveniently placed on campus compared to the other location.

Aramark officials are hopeful for the success of the Starbucks once it opens.

"Based on student feedback, it is going to be really popular," Aramark representative Jennifer Brennan said.

Aramark brought the Starbucks to Penn because of student surveys that indicated that students would like more national chains on campus.

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