News Summary
Starbucks Coffee Co. is set to open a new location in the Bank of America Tower on Laura Street, enhancing the area’s pedestrian experience. The shop will cover 2,225 square feet and is expected to cost approximately $175,000 to renovate. With an interior entrance from the tower’s lobby and a south-facing exterior entrance, this location marks Starbucks’ return to downtown Jacksonville, following previous closures. The new café is anticipated to open in fall 2025, amidst growing competition from other local coffee shops.
Jacksonville – Starbucks Coffee Co. is currently undergoing a permitting review to open a new location in the Bank of America Tower, a move that is expected to significantly enhance the pedestrian experience in the bustling Laura Street corridor. The new shop, which will occupy 2,225 square feet of space, is projected to cost approximately $175,000 to renovate.
The future Starbucks will be situated on the ground floor’s southeast corner at 50 N. Laura St., providing both an interior entrance from the lobby of the 42-story tower and an exterior entrance on the south-facing side. The renovation plan includes various tenant improvements in Unit 150, addressing critical modifications such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, interior partitions, and updates to the existing storefront.
The recent announcement regarding the Starbucks opening was made by Colliers Urban Division on February 12. Senior Vice President Matthew Clark highlighted the importance of this new establishment in improving the overall appeal of the area to pedestrians. The Starbucks is expected to open in fall 2025, signaling the return of the popular coffee chain to downtown Jacksonville, where it had previously operated two locations before their closures in 2008 and 2011.
The location is significant not only for Starbucks enthusiasts but also for the community, considering that both previous Starbucks outlets were at The Jacksonville Landing and 11 E. Forsyth St., which has since been repurposed for different uses. The Jacksonville Landing has been demolished, while Lily’s Asian-American Food now occupies the former Forsyth St. location.
The Bank of America Tower itself is owned by New York-based Group RMC, which acquired the building in 2020. The current management of the tower’s retail spaces is handled by Colliers, with CBRE managing office leasing. The lobby of the tower already hosts Ground Level Coffee and Akel’s Delicatessen, with Ground Level Coffee located adjacent to the forthcoming Starbucks.
Competition in the local coffee market is evident, with other nearby coffee shops including Urban Grind Coffee Co., Chamblin’s Uptown, Setlan Coffee Co., and St. James Cafe. In the vicinity of Akel’s Deli, new openings have also emerged, such as Pour Taproom and Pizza Dynamo, which recently opened across from Akel’s in the VyStar Credit Union garage at 61 N. Laura St..
As for the existing food and beverage establishments, Akel’s Deli has extended its lease through November 30, 2025, while the Bateh family, which operates both Akel’s Deli and Ground Level Coffee, is actively seeking a new downtown location should their lease not be renewed in the future. Ground Level Coffee currently has two years remaining on its lease.
In addition, plans are underway for the renovation of the closed Bank of America branch office space on the ground floor. This project is led by the Ariete Hospitality Group, with expectations for opening in the summer or fall of 2026. This significant renovation could span from 4,500 to 14,000 square feet and may incorporate multiple dining concepts, including various cuisines and potentially a cocktail bar.
The activity around the Bank of America Tower and its surroundings illustrates a vibrant movement towards revitalizing the downtown area, enhancing the overall experience for both residents and visitors alike. With Starbucks making its return and new dining options emerging, the downtown Jacksonville landscape is poised for a transformative change over the next few years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Delta Airlines Faces Major Disruptions Due to Software Outage
Sawgrass Landing Shopping Center Sold for $29.1 Million
Residents Facing Cold Shower Blues in Jacksonville Senior Living Facility
Tragic Golf Course Attack Leads to First-Degree Murder Arrest
Understanding the Mystery of Unavailable Webpages
Florida Attorney General Files Suit Against Target Over Diversity Practices
Golf Courses vs. Renewable Energy: Who Takes Up More Space?
New Restaurant Opens in Downtown Jacksonville
Golfing Wonderland: New York’s Top Courses Revealed
New York Golf Courses Shine in Golfweek’s 2025 Rankings
Additional Resources
- News4Jax
- Jacksonville Daily Record
- First Coast News
- WOKV
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Google Search: Starbucks Jacksonville new location
- Google Scholar: Starbucks expansion Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- Google News: Starbucks Jacksonville
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
