The fourth Starbucks location in downtown Chattanooga opened Monday just in time for the holiday season, adding to a growing list of coffee spots in the area.
The two-story Starbucks at The Block opened at 225 Broad St. in what was formerly Chattz at the Block, a coffee and wine bar, before it closed in fall 2017. The new Starbucks is situated between the Rock/Creek store and High Point Climbing and Fitness and is part of the building owned by CARTA. The nonprofit redevelopment group River City Co. has a long-term lease for the space.
There is a second-level seating area at the new Starbucks downtown. It is the fourth one to be added in the downtown area.The Starbucks includes seating areas on both the first and second levels as well as nitro cold brew coffee on tap. There is also an outdoor patio. A corporate spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
Kim White, president of River City Co., said the agency thinks it’s important to have a mix of local and national businesses in the downtown scene and rising rents didn’t affect Chattz’ decision to leave. Chattz operated in the space for three years before closing.
“We were sorry to see Chattz close, but it was a business decision made by the owners to stay focused on roasting and not the retail component of their business,” White said in an email.