Jamaica residents looking to get their coffee fix will have a new option come 2016, as Starbucks opens its first store in the area.
The chain’s Jamaica store will be located at 89-02 Sutphin Blvd. and seeks to hire “opportunity youth,” people between the ages of 16 and 24 “who face systemic barriers to meaningful jobs,” according to the company.
The new location is a part of Starbucks’ 100,000 Opportunities Initiative and its goal is to hire 100,000 opportunity youth by 2018. The Jamaica store is one of five locations slated to open by 2016, with other locations across the country.
Starbucks will hire 20 to 25 employees from the local community and also plans to work with local women- and minority-owned contractors and businesses to design and develop the store. An on-site training space will also be created to teach employees customer service and retail skills.
“We have a long history of developing stores in diverse neighborhoods and we hope to do even more — together with the community — to bring great jobs, engage young people, and drive economic opportunity for all,” said Blair Taylor, chief community officer for Starbucks and chair of the Starbucks Foundation. “We want to be part of the solution in these communities and help create a sustainable future for those who may be looking for a second chance.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
- First-ever documentary about Jamaica Bay to premiere in the fall
- Jamaica arts organizations to receive $15K in funding
- Jamaica site with big development potential sells after bidding war
