Story Created:
Jan 6, 2009 at 7:39 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Feb 19, 2009 at 4:12 PM CDT
Tuesday, January 6, 2009; Posted: 6:35 p.m. (CDT)
Edmond, Okla. -- It's been about one month since many local Starbucks closed in the metro-area and that has some former customers feeling a little down. However, local coffee shops everywhere are waiting to give you that jolt you need to get you back on track. KSBI-TV's Kealey McIntire has more.
It seems you could see their signs on nearly every street corner. Call it a sign of the economy, but different signs are now on display at several former Starbucks locations. For lease signs and signs directing you to the nearest location grace the buildings of the Starbucks stores that have closed.
One local business owner decided to take advantage of the business that once flowed into those Starbucks locations.
"We decided we're going to take advantage of this. We're going to continue to increase our service," says Alan Swan, Co-Owner of Vintage Timeless Coffee in Edmond.
Vintage Coffee is located about one mile from the Starbucks that used to be at 15th and Santa Fe. The store closed within the last month and Swan says someone new comes in at least once a day who says their old Starbucks has closed.
"This is a chance to show someone a better product, better service, to build a relationship with them," says Swan.
Michael Barlow, a loyal customer, has tried the competition, but he says he prefers to support the local guys.
"That's what got me here and what keeps me here is the coffee and the friendly people," says Barlow.
Starbucks announced in July that about 600 stores nationwide would close. According to the company's website, the slowing economy was partly to blame.
Barlow believes people like Swan help keep the local economy going.
"It's local businesses that really drives the economy. It's local small businesses trying to make a living," says Barlow.
Swan says business has increased compared to this time last year and he believes much of that is because of Starbucks. Swan says he appreciates the extra business and any profits are put to good use.
"Every dollar spent at Vintage stays in Oklahoma City," says Swan.
