Starbucks Opens in Ocean City at 11th and Asbury

Ocean City's downtown shopping district picked up a new attraction this weekend with the opening of the island's first Starbucks coffee shop on Asbury Avenue at 11th Street.

After a major reconstruction of a property that once was home to Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut, Starbucks opened its doors for the first time at 7 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 16).

The new Starbucks will be open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays (with a later closing time on weekends), according to Joan Martin, a regional manager who said she "couldn't believe how busy we were" for the opening weekend.

The Ocean City location features soft seating surrounding a gas fireplace, tables near windows overlooking Asbury Avenue, free Wi-Fi and a seasonal service window on 11th Street.

Martin said the store will offer an array of breakfast and lunch items, including fresh bagels, biscotti and Evolution juices. Take-home coffee grinds, K-cups and holiday gifts also are available.

The store employs a number of "great local kids" and will welcome book clubs, entertainment and other local groups, she said.

"We're here to be a part of the community," Martin said.

The new store is owned by John Betz of Phoenixville, Pa., who also owns three Starbucks franchises in Atlantic City and one in Margate. Martin said Betz is working to open three more in New Jersey.