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Starbucks opens inside St. Anthony
Journal Record
July 1, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY – The java in the gift shop was so popular that the hospital had only one choice. It was time to go into the coffee business.
A Starbucks opened Monday inside St. Anthony Hospital in Midtown. Sheradee Hurst, spokeswoman for St. Anthony, said the hospital previously offered Starbucks coffee at a counter in the hospital gift shop, which was often overwhelmed by customers. She said the new store will reduce the crowds in the gift shop and offer hospital staff and patrons a more relaxing atmosphere.
Michael Bickle, retail manager for hospital food-service provider Sodexo, said a Starbucks in a hospital is a first in this region.“It’s really a new thing to have a fully licensed Starbucks in a hospital,” he said. “You don’t feel like you’re in a hospital.”
The coffeehouse is owned by the hospital, but has the look, feel, and menu of any stand-alone, company-owned Starbucks. It will be managed and operated by Sodexo.
“We make a habit of reaffirming that St. Anthony believes in the business and people of Midtown,” said Joe Hodges, president of St. Anthony Hospital. “This new, convenient Starbucks is for our community, our visitors, our patients, and our employees to enjoy. It’s one of many exciting, progressive moves for us.”
Sodexo took over food service at the hospital in 1999. Since then it has added environmental services, transportation, a service response center, and a concierge service.
The Starbucks, in a new addition called Saints Medical Plaza, at 535 NW Ninth St., occupies about 1,200 square feet and has a patio on the south side. Bickle said the shop has 15 employees who have all completed Starbucks’ mandatory training program.“There are all kinds of beverages besides coffee,” he said. “There’s decaf, juice-based drinks, and items like organic milks and juices.”
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