NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
13 September 2004

STARBUCKS COFFEE COMES TO DOWNTOWN; NEW CAFE OPENS IN WHITAKER CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND THE ARTS

Harrisburg, PA—Starbucks Coffeehouse, the nation’s most popular franchise of coffee shops, opened its first-ever store in downtown Harrisburg, Mayor Stephen R. Reed announced today during dedication services for the popular new cafe facility inside the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts at 222 Market Street.

Reed said the new Starbucks occupies 800 sq. ft. of space on the Arcade Level of the Whitaker Center, and employs 23 full and parttime workers. The new cafe offers all of Starbucks’s popular products, including high quality whole bean coffees, fresh-brewed espresso beverages, Tazo-brand teas, a variety of pastries and confections, and coffee and tea-related accessories and equipment.

The Mayor said the popular new café is conveniently located near Strawberry Square, the Hilton Hotel and Towers, the Walnut Street Parking Garage and, when completed next year, the now under construction Market Square Plaza.

“This is a good day that has been long in coming,” said Mayor Reed. “Citizens have long sought a Starbucks Coffeehouse and its popular coffees and services for downtown, and today that goal is finally realized.”

“Our guests have asked for a first class café that would be available for them to enjoy not only during normal business hours, but also during performances here at the Whitaker Center,” said President and CEO Byron Quann. “Starbucks is the perfect match for our customers and we’re delighted to welcome them to downtown.”

Reed said Starbucks Coffeehouse will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

About Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

Whitaker Center provides a wide range of science and cultural activities including educational and entertaining large-format films, interactive science exhibits and programs, multi-dimensional stage performances, and venues for public and private events. For more information on the Whitaker Center, located at 222 Market Street in downtown Harrisburg, please visit www.whitakercenter.org, or call (717) 214-ARTS.

About Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with more than 7,500 retail locations worldwide. The company is committed to offering the highest quality coffee and Starbucks experience and conducting its business in ways that help foster social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in which it does business.

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