Starbucks to open April 30

Something’s brewing at Harris Teeter.

A Starbucks coffee shop is set to open April 30 inside the Boone Harris Teeter grocery store, store manager Bill Lander said.

The Starbucks-licensed operation will offer everything a typical Starbucks offers, except for reheated breakfast and lunch sandwiches, said Catherine Reuhl, communication manager for the Harris Teeter chain. The new setup also includes a seating area with WiFi.

Bringing this coffee hub to fruition hasn’t been simple.

Harris Teeter announced plans last year to include a Starbucks in its widescale store renovation.

That nine-month renovation, which recently concluded, also added 9,600 square feet, a salad bar, an expanded floral department, a new beer and wine section and several other features.

Reuhl said the grocery store decided to instead move forward with a Harris Teeter coffee station and seating area rather than a Starbucks to remain compliant with lease agreements.

“In December, we were informed the situation changed; Harris Teeter could and decided to move forward with a Starbucks,” Reuhl said.

As the planning continued at Harris Teeter, the Courtyard by Marriott opened in January with a 24-hour Starbucks refreshment station — and earned the distinction of being “Boone’s first Starbucks.”

Lander said that the Harris Teeter location will offer a greater variety of Starbucks selections than the Marriott site.

Harris Teeter is looking to hire about 15 new employees, and more information is available at http://harristeeter.com, Lander said.