Independent Inglewood gains coffee chain location

A Starbucks location is opening on Saturday in Inglewood, the fiercely independent southeast neighbourhood that blocked the opening of another coffee franchise.

The community association opposed the opening of a Tim Hortons in the area a few years ago, but has welcomed Starbucks because of the clientele it hopes the chain will attract.

"We were never really against Tim Hortons. We were against the fact that they wanted to put a Macleod Trail-style drive-thru on historic Ninth Avenue," said Gian-Carlo Carra, president of the Inglewood Community Association.

"The fact that they're coming in, I think is a good thing. I think all of the merchants along the street are happy because they know it'll bring a new and different kind of demographic."

The main drag in Inglewood is lined with independent stores and restaurants. With the Starbucks opening, there's speculation a national grocery chain is eyeing a truck stop in Inglewood for a new location.

'I think it's an eyeopener, and it's time for people to take what's happening here a little more seriously.' —Dean Leman, restaurant owner

Dean Leman, who just opened the WilderNest Dream Café in Inglewood and also lives nearby, said local merchants need to get together to decide on the direction of the neighbourhood.

"I think it's an eyeopener, and it's time for people to take what's happening here a little more seriously, and again to get together, to sit down together at the same table … and we collectively say what's happening, where are we going?"

The owner of the Delightful Café doubts the Starbucks will hurt business.

"Good for Inglewood," said Ainh Au. "Everybody can come and enjoy the coffee and walk around."

But one of her customers wasn't convinced.

"I'm not that happy about it, but what the hell," said the man.