The Kroger in downtown Savannah’s latest Starbucks addition provides a sociable and relaxing environment for customers. Photo by Crosby Ignasher.
Merging Starbucks coffee shops and Kroger supermarkets is a trend that’s finally coming downtown. While the Kroger located at 311 E. Gwinnett St. is not the first in Savannah to house one of the familiar cafes, it is the latest. Meanwhile other Kroger stores throughout the country have been adopting Starbucks shops since earlier this year.
Starbucks’ reputation as a high-class coffee shop holds symbolic significance for Kroger. With years of favorable commentary directed at the supermarket chain, news of incorporating the coffee shops will only add to Kroger’s positive name.
“Starbucks stores are meant to be community gathering places, and our customers spend time in our stores in a number of different ways,” a Starbucks Media Relations Team spokesperson said.
Its value to the students and community help sustain Kroger’s reputable standing. Located not too far from SCAD’s freshman and sophomore dorm buildings, the service is well worth the bike ride or stroll.
“I had a very positive experience at Kroger. It is only a couple of streets over from Forsyth, so the location makes it convenient,” said Hayley Barry, a first-year advertising student from Ashburnham, Mass. “I think the addition of the Starbucks will make it a nicer spot.”
First-year graphic design student Lizzie Stewart from Chesapeake, Va., said, “I think it will help the store because it may draw in more or different customers.”
“We take great pride in offering a comfortable, convenient place for our customers to relax, visit with each other,” said Starbucks Media Relations, stressing that the added coffee shops could only enhance the grocery shopping experience.
