NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Starbucks is considering a new location at the site of the former Pizza Hut restaurant located at 80 Huguenot at the corner of Echo Avenue.
It would be the third company-owned Starbucks in New Rochelle. The first to open was the Starbucks in Wykagyl. The second opened near Iona College.
The company wants to offer drive-thru service. There has been some objections from neighbors according to City Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert who represents the area. There are several apartment buildings adjacent to the Pizza Hut property.
The company is said to be interested in the location based on its proximity to Exit 16 on I-95.
Reaction on social media has generally been supportive.
“This would actually be the first good idea I’ve heard of in a while,” said Michele O’Neil who lives nearby. “How anyone can object is crazy to me.”
“Starbucks at Bay Plaza was a nice edition, and now having one in New Rochelle would be even better,” Anthony Ravitch.
Some people expressed concern about the traffic.
“I don’t object to Starbucks, but a drive-through is a terrible idea, with the way the traffic piles up there already when people turn left off Huguenot onto Echo,” said George Morris.
Some people have expressed nostalgia for the long-gone Pizza Hut while others wished for a Chipotle, Tim Horton’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Chick-fil-A.