Starbucks boss responds to reaction after news it’s opening in old Surfection spot on the Corso in Manly

“AN Australian company run by Australians” was Starbucks’ response to reaction to the coffee giant opening in Manly. The CEO says the brand has changed, even offering more choice.

The old Surfection at the top of the Corso is set to become a Starbucks. Picture: Adam Yip

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STARBUCKS Australian chief says the coffee company has changed, following a heated reaction to the news it is opening in Manly.

Chief executive Chris Garlick said the chain, which will open in a prime historic spot at the top of the Corso by Christmas, is now “Australian, run by Australians”, amid a cool welcome from business leaders and locals.

“No doubt it’s going to take a little bit of time for people to understand it’s a global brand run by Australians in Australia,” he said. “We’ve all grown up running businesses in Australia.

“We understand why people have got these views, but we are keen to do things differently.”

The outlet – in the 1890 Ocean Tea Rooms building – will be the third new store after Parramatta and Brisbane to be opened by the new owners. The Withers Group, owners of 7-Eleven, bought the Australian licence from the Starbucks parent company in 2014.

Starbucks in Brisbane, a new store which has had a bespoke design. Picture: Supplied

While Starbucks, which is the world’s biggest coffee company with 24,000 stores, came to Australia in 2000, it all but pulled out in 2008.

Mr Garlick said the cafe would have a bespoke design that would be “sympathetic” to the building, which most recently housed beachwear brand Surfection.

“We are hoping we can make a connection with the locals and many visitors,” he said. “We see Manly as pretty diverse place and feel that our offering can sit alongside popular offerings there already.”

Many Manly Daily readers on Facebook blasted the brand over its coffee, but Mr Garlick said while Starbucks’ own blend would be sold, some “alternative choices” would also be on offer.

Like all Starbucks, there will also be free Wi-Fi.

The DA reveals the cafe will have capacity for 25 people inside and 24 outside on South Steyne, and will open from 5am to 10pm daily. Recruitment is under way.

The first and second floors remain vacant.

Council bosses aid the store will need to comply with planning rules.

Manly’s old Surfection shop has been sitting vacant. Picture: Elenor Tedenborg

David Kerr, Acting Executive Manager for Planning & Community, said: “Manly Development Control Plan 2013 has specific sections for signage on Heritage listed items and development within Conservation areas.

“The property is both a heritage item and in a conservation area, and is currently being assessed against these controls.”

Bucks stop here

The first Australian Starbucks branch opened in 2000 and more than 80 followed

In 2008 Starbucks closed about 60 stores and shed 600 jobs

Experts said established chains, prices and locations along with the Aussie coffee culture contributed to the failure

Five things starbucks won’t tell you

Charles Passy revealed some little-known facts about the coffe giant back in 2014 which forced the company to make some changes.