Starbucks debate heats up Short North

Starbucks, a globally recognized coffee company with more than 8,300 stores, will be opening a new location in the Short North.

Although some welcome the anticipated summer opening as another choice for an espresso, others find it to be a setback for the community.

Paul Schwartz, a manager of The Coffee Table, a locally owned café at 731 N. High St. in the Short North, said a nearby Starbucks could hurt his business.

Valerie Carlborg, a Starbucks representative, said the Seattle-based coffee shop would complement independent businesses in the area.

"We feel that Starbucks represents one choice in the community," she said.

At The Coffee Table, wooden cheetah-print dividers separate the barista area from the customer space, free-handed patterns are painted on the walls in bright colors and mismatched couches and vintage lamps are available for customers to enjoy.

The unique atmosphere presented by the café is also joined by a large section for local advertisements for concerts and galleries, a jar of free dog biscuits for the customer who is also a pet-owner and bumper stickers that read: "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks."

"We've been here fifteen years, (which helped us to build a strong clientele base in a large residential area," Schwartz said.

Carlborg said Starbucks also will offer a local feel.

"We offer amenities and merchandise that reflect the surrounding neighborhood such as art rails for community artwork," she said. "But most importantly, we offer a great place to spend time together over coffee."

Carlborg said she understands some will still prefer to buy their coffee from independent shops, such as The Coffee Table.

"This choice will not suit everyone," she said.

The date for the opening of the new Starbucks has not been determined.

"We anticipate opening our store in the Yukon building in the summer," Carlborg said.

Starbucks Coffee Company, which has business relationships with Barnes & Noble Inc., Tazo and Kraft Foods, currently runs 36 stores in the Columbus metro area.