How new Starbucks affects Maricopa coffee shops

As Starbucks Coffee opened its doors Thursday at the Maricopa Station, local business owners are looking at how their livelihood will be affected by franchises that will soon populate the retail plaza.

“It's difficult to say how the new franchises will affect my business and local companies like mine,” Bead & Berry Coffee House owner Claire Bullivant said. “People tend to go for what they know and are familiar with. It's easier and there are no unpleasant surprises, so I understand the draw that franchises have.”

Starbucks became the first business to open in the Maricopa Station as a crowd descended Thursday afternoon.

“I’ve been so touched by the outpouring from the community,” store manager Bonnie Shouse said.

As first in line in the development, she pointed out, Starbucks is also in a place of welcoming the other business as they begin to occupy Maricopa Station. They will include Jersey Mike’s Subs, Sport Clips, Zoyo Yogurt, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Chipotle.

Along the same line as Bullivant, Honeycutt Coffee owner Cathy Dykstra is uncertain how the new national franchises will affect her business.

“We have to compete,” Dykstra said. “Being local is not a free pass to run a business that doesn't strongly compete.  We have to win first on personalized local customer service. People still enjoy the small-town feel of walking in and we already know them and start their drinks.”

The soft opening Thursday was to help get the Starbucks store up to speed in serving customers, and it immediately had a long line. The store will be open from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There are Starbucks outlets nearby within Bashas’ and Fry’s, managed by those grocery stores. Shouse said they keep a strong relationship to operate by the company mission: “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

Shouse, who lives in Ahwatukee, said she has more than 30 employees, most of whom live in Maricopa. She started with Starbucks in Tucson eight years ago as a barista and worked her way up through varied positions.

“It’s a great company to work for and I’m very excited to be able to open a store here,” Shouse said.

The biggest issue local companies run into in comparison to national franchises like Starbucks is the amount and speed of products they can produce. A chain store can prepare a cup of coffee or a meal in a much quicker time frame. They also have the capacity to handle more business.

“The principle of making craft coffee and having high-end, well-trained baristas and doing things with excellence is still our plumb line for success,” Bullivant said. “Preparing our own food from scratch is time consuming and less profitable than buying bulk frozen, pre-packaged, or pre-made meals full of preservatives. On one level we cannot compete with franchises if we keep our ideals, but I hope there are enough people in Maricopa who appreciate how good things can be without the added sugars and salt and possibly preservatives.”

But can a small company really compete in the long run with a franchise? What if the franchise opens up a new location? These are the questions each local business owner has to ask once a national franchise comes into their market.

“I think in the case of Honeycutt Coffee it’s a bit more unique in that there were already two Starbucks and now there are three in a quarter mile of each other,” Dykstra said. “It’s an example of corporations just strong arming any competition. For us the big impact will be the drive thru. People of Maricopa deserve that convenience and I understand the demand and need for it.”

Despite the increase in competition, the addition of more franchises also points to growth within the city of Maricopa. For local companies, it simply means more opportunities to grow their brand and reputation among the community.

“We were very excited, like I think most folks in Maricopa, when we heard the news of new businesses coming to Maricopa,” Dykstra said. “That means Maricopa is growing and getting more healthy every day. Trust me, these corporate stores invest money in research in demographics. They know Maricopa is on a strong growth path or they wouldn't invest.  Sure we are concerned, and we plan to fight to grow and earn more customers, but its great knowing as a city we are on a positive path.”

“I'm happy to see Maricopa thrive,” Bullivant said. “I love that it's getting bigger, attracting business and that more people are choosing to live here. I'd like to see it grow in the way of Nashville, where the residents are so into the arts, creativity and individuality, that they prefer the unique boutique restaurants and coffee shops.”

It is still unknown which direction Maricopa will grow. Regardless, local owners are excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the growth.

“Large franchises don't have the pull when patrons prefer the hand-made trade and art of it all,” Bullivant said. “Will Maricopa choose that? I hope so.  And also that we can share our passion about pure products with no additives giving Maricopa residents the opportunity and option that previously they could only find in certain areas in Phoenix and other parts of the [United States].”