A standalone Starbucks is opening in Red Bird.
It’s the first one in Oak Cliff since the Seattle-based company closed 600 stores in 2008, including one at 3431 Camp Wisdom Road.
This new location, which opens Friday and has a drive-through, also fronts Camp Wisdom, near Westmoreland, and is built on a Red Bird Mall pad site in front of the old Macy’s.
It’s not just any Starbucks.
This store provides training for youth. Part of its mission is to train kids in Starbucks customer service and, while that doesn’t guarantee a job, it makes those who complete training well qualified for a employment at any Starbucks.
The store also has a conference room that community members can reserve. And preference is given to women- and minority-owned businesses for construction and other business relationships.
It’s one of 15 stores the company is opening in underserved communities nationwide. Six already are open, in Ferguson, Missouri; Phoenix; the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York; Englewood in the south side of Chicago; East Baltimore; and Long Beach, California.
The Starbucks is part of Red Bird Mall owner Peter Brodksy’s plan to revitalize Red Bird Mall. Brodsky also recruited a Marriott Courtyard hotel, which will be constructed nearby. And a park, the Lawn at Red Bird, will be the centerpiece of the redevelopment.
