Evanston’s Planning and Zoning Division approved an application for a new Starbucks on Dempster Street which could open as soon as fall 2014, the city announced Thursday.
“While there is more work to be done, the addition of Starbucks will provide momentum to our continued efforts to bring high quality retail and services to the area,” Ald. Peter Braithwaite (2nd) said in a newsletter.
The store is looking to move into the space previously occupied by Kentucky Fried Chicken, 1901 W. Dempster St. However, this move is still in its beginning stages, said Paul Zalmazek, Evanston senior economic development coordinator. Zalmazek told The Daily that the developer Revision Group, LLC, has applied for a special use permit that is awaiting approval.
Thursday’s Starbucks announcement is the latest Evanston business event in recent months.
Last year, Dominick’s owner Safeway, Inc. closed all Dominick’s grocery stores in the Chicago area, including the former Evanston store at 1910 Dempster St. The space is still vacant, along with a number of other spaces in Evanston Plaza.
Zalmazek said Dominick’s pulling out has influenced other surrounding businesses, who looked to the grocery store for drawing in business.
“Once that Dominick’s issue is resolved, the rest of the space will start to fill in,” Zalmazek said.
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Ciara McCarthy contributed reporting.
