Starbucks to open drive-thru in Black Mountain

Yes, it's true - there's a Starbucks coming to the former Stop & Go convenience store beside Bi-Lo.

A company spokesperson for the Seattle-based company in an email Jan. 23 confirmed it has plans for a drive-thru at the old Exxon station.  

“We are happy to confirm that we will be opening a new 2,200-square-foot store in Black Mountain,” the company said in response to an inquiry by The Black Mountain News.

The town’s planning and development department has received an application for the construction of the shell of the building, according to zoning administrator Jennifer Tipton.

“The developer working with Starbucks has been in contact with us to get all of the information they need to submit for permits to finish out the inside and do the drive-thru,” she said.

The existing building, which according to Buncombe County tax records was constructed in 1999, will be demolished to make room for new construction.

The property, which has a taxable value of $950,000, was recently purchased by Thom Morgan.

Starbucks anticipates the location will be open for business in late 2018.