Letter to the Editor: Tyndall Davis on offee choices
Recent news of a new Starbucks coming to Kinston has caused a bit of a stir among the locals. On the one hand, most seem excited about the prospect of adding a new stop on their morning commutes.
Still, others question the effect that a new international chain will have on its local, mom-and-pop competitor. As with most things, the reality of the situation lies somewhere in between.
The idea of a Starbucks in Kinston is not new. For years, it was nothing more than a whisper of a rumor, but that whisper has now materialized and the citizens will have to make a conscious decision between the coffee titan and locally owned and operated Middle Grounds Coffee. The simple truth for my fellow Kinstonians: you can have both.
This is not a case of having your cake and eating it, too. The two coffee shops occupy two differing geographic areas. Starbucks’ location at Hwys 70 and 258 allows commuters a convenient pit stop on their way to the beach or even just to Walmart.
Middle Grounds prime location on Herritage Street makes it a cozy space for locals, downtown tourists, and professionals who occupy the downtown streets.
Two different locations. Two different niches. Both important to the continued economic growth of our community.
Per reporting on the Starbucks opening, the new storefront will bring with it some 20 jobs. That’s 20 jobs more than we currently have. Jobs that will bring with them benefits and an economic lease on life than one might not otherwise possess. Jobs for Kinston natives and salaries paid to be spent in our community.
Economic growth is rarely a zero sum game. Starbucks’ arrival is not Middle Grounds misfortune. You, the consumer, now have something that we so often take for granted: choices. If Kinston is going to continue to grow as we move steadily along in the 21st century, we will have to learn that growing together is better than not growing at all.
To the folks at Starbucks — welcome. To the folks at Middle Grounds — I’ll take something strong and sweet.
Tyndall Davis
Kinston
