Starbucks is coming to Red Bird Mall in South Dallas, giving a boost to redevelopment and revitalization in the area.
As part of a national initiative to open stores in at least 15 underserved communities in the U.S., Starbucks will open a location near the mall’s entrance. It is scheduled to open in 2018.
It will feature both café seating and a drive thru. There also will be a training center which can double as a meeting space for community groups, according to The Dallas Morning News.
“My hope is that other of the types of restaurants and amenities will follow their lead.”
Peter Brodsky
Mall owner Peter Brodsky told radio station WBAP that the location was a perfect fit for Starbucks.
“They’re looking for a site that is in a community that can support them economically, so they are seeking to make a profit,” Brodsky said. “They also want a site that has needs that can be addressed through things like job training and other programs they’ve got.”
He said Starbucks’ initiative to locate in a traditionally under-served area was a positive step.
“My hope is that other of the types of restaurants and amenities will follow their lead,” Brodsky said. “Somebody always has to go first and in the case, I think this is the first of many.”
STARBUCKS BACKS REVITALIZATION EFFORTS
He lauded Starbucks’ willingness to participate in revitalization.
“I love the job training aspect,” Brodsky said. “I love the fact that they are going to be using majority minority and women-owned businesses to construct the building. I love the fact that they will provide an opportunity for the community to sell baked goods in their stores.”
The Red Bird area continues to attract new initiatives that could boost its economy.
In January, The Red Bird Entrepreneur Center was announced for an office building at 7222 S. Westmoreland Road, just across the parking lot from the mall. The Red Bird location serves as the hub for DEC’s Southern Dallas Entrepreneur Network, which includes satellite offices at Paul Quinn College and the University of North Texas Dallas.
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