Starbucks Latest Addition To Dutton Avenue Complex

August 25, 2003

by Lori Scott Fogleman

Baylor University added one of the nation's most recognizable coffee stores to its newly completed Dutton Avenue Office and Parking Facility, when a full-service Starbucks opened for business on Monday, Aug. 25.
The Baylor Starbucks is the second national retail establishment that will be housed in the new complex, located on the northwest corner of campus at University Parks Drive and Dutton Avenue. Chili's Too, the popular casual dining restaurant, also will open as Baylor begins the fall semester on Monday. Both establishments are open to the public and will share common entries from Dutton Avenue and from inside the four-story parking garage, which has reserved parking for customers.
The Baylor Starbucks will serve the company's signature coffee drinks, snacks and merchandise. The 1,500-square-foot store will feature several seating options, including dining tables and casual soft seating, all set in the mellow Starbucks décor. The store also will offer late-night hours, conducive both to students' study habits and to patrons of evening fine arts activities on or near campus.
"We are thrilled to add both Starbucks and Chili's Too to the Baylor campus," said Rick Creel, assistant vice president for operations and facilities. "These establishments will help create community among our students, which is at the heart of the Baylor experience as the university seeks in its 10-year vision to become a truly residential campus. I also think Starbucks will be a great venue for conversation and discussion for local community members after they attend the symphony or the theater, hear a renowned university lecturer or visit the museum complex."
Mark Nelson, regional vice president for ARAMARK Campus Services, said the addition of Starbucks on the Baylor campus is another example of how ARAMARK and the university are working together to achieve the goals of Baylor 2012. The food service company's extensive research determined Starbucks to be one of the best brands to fit the needs of the Baylor community. However, Nelson said, great coffee and great service are only part of the equation.
"It's the spirit of cutting-edge innovation that will attract students to an aesthetically pleasing environment where learning can grow and friendships can prosper," he said.
The first Starbucks store opened in 1971 in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Since then, Starbucks has more than 4,000 locations worldwide, serving more than 12-million customers per week. The Starbucks brand itself was recently ranked by Interbrand Corp., the world's leading brand consultants, as one of the top 75 brands in the world. In addition to the full-service store, Baylor serves Starbucks coffee at kiosks in the Bill Daniel Student Center and the Speight Avenue parking garage.
The Dutton Avenue Office and Parking Facility, with its towering 7,000-pound spires visible from Interstate 35, includes parking for 1,200 cars, as well as 30,000-square-feet of office and retail space.
For more information, contact Creel at (254) 710-3461.