Kinston Starbucks opening Friday at 5:30 a.m.

Kinstonians in search of a caffeine fix will have a new option beginning Friday morning.

General Manager Allyne Dyer confirmed to Neuse News that the new Starbucks on West Vernon Avenue in Kinston will open on Friday, June 12 at 5:30 a.m. 

The new location has been under construction for several months, as crews worked to convert the old Radio Shack building into the newest cafe for the Seattle-based coffee chain. 

Dyer said the opening date has been delayed several times, with the store originally planned to open in April. On Friday, however, the wait will be over. 

“We are for sure opening on Friday,” Dyer said. “We are definitely excited.” 

Dyer said many of the location’s employees, or “partners” as Starbucks calls them, are Kinston residents, and they have been training for weeks at locations in Greenville and Goldsboro in preparation for the Kinston location’s opening. 

“Everybody is ready to be in one store, and have that sense of being united and doing everything together. We know it’s going to be busy, but everyone is really excited,” Dyer said.

Kinston mayor Don Hardy said he is excited for the opening of the new location.

“Starbucks is an eye-catcher, and as an international superstar chain, I think they are going to do well here. I’m looking forward to visiting them on Friday. I will continue to support Middle Grounds as well, and I think both of them will do well,” Hardy said. 

Dyer said she is looking forward to getting involved in the community, and finding ways in which Starbucks can give back to Kinston.

“We are big on community service at Starbucks, so we will be looking for ways to help out around here,” Dyer said. 

The Kinston Starbucks will be open from 5:30 a.m - 9:30 p.m. on Friday. The location’s hours will be 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. M-F, and 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

The location will be open for drive-thru and takeout service for the present, with outdoor seating also available.

Dyer said the indoor seating will remain closed for now, in accordance with company-wide policies due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Guests can order ahead on the Starbucks mobile app, or inside the location at the register.