Starbucks finds success, expanding in Detroit market

Starbucks has opened two coffee shops inside MGM Grand, bringing their total number of Detroit locations to seven. The company has found the city to be profitable and that hiring quality employees has not been an issue.

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So, what's Starbucks doing right?

Joe Dallacqua, regional vice president of Starbucks' Great Lakes and New England region, said the chain started by talking with local retailers to find out what works.

"They just said, 'Respect the community' That was one of the most eye-opening things we heard," he said. "In other words, don't go in heavily with some of the things some would consider, in terms of security."

Second, Dallacqua said Starbucks is active in the community. For instance, the Jefferson Avenue location has been active in Earth Day activities on Belle Isle.

The result: Sales at Detroit Starbucks are slightly below the company's nationwide average of $1.1 million a year, but the locations are profitable.

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