ONTARIO — Community members now have a new spot to grab their caffeine fix. Starbucks officially opened its doors for a soft launch Friday at 2005 August Drive.

The location, the city’s second, operates daily from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features a drive-thru, interior seating and mobile ordering, which will be available in the coming weeks.

Mayor Knapp claims first customer title

Michael Snyder, coffeehouse leader, said Mayor Kris Knapp asked what time the store opened, claiming he wanted to be first in line. When Snyder said 4:30 a.m., Knapp joked that he wouldn’t be up that early—but he arrived at 5:30 a.m., still claiming the first customer title.

When asked about his drink of choice, Knapp said he keeps it simple. He ordered a straight black coffee with no cream or sugar.

Knapp said the new Starbucks provides a convenient spot for community members to gather and adds variety while supporting development in Ontario’s south end.

“The Walker Lake location is always packed, so this will hopefully help with that as well,” Knapp said.

Snyder, a Mansfield native, said he is thrilled to have the new spot in Ontario.

“Everything is brand new and the latest and greatest,” he said. “We want people to come see it.”

While Friday was the soft opening, the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony is Thursday, Oct. 16.

Community members enjoy new Starbucks location

Community members wasted no time visiting the coffeehouse. Chanara Beer enjoyed a drink while getting some work done, opting for an iced protein matcha latte.

“I love Starbucks, so it’s exciting to have another location in the area,” Beer said.

She added that the coffeehouse provides a great study environment, with free refills and a nice food selection.

“It seems like our community is doing well. It gets people out of the house and interacting,” she said. “I think this is really good.”

(Pictures from the 2005 August Drive Starbucks location. Credit: Hannah Martin)

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