Sure, I’ll still visit my friends at the Starbucks in 12 Oaks Shopping Center, but a new location of the Seattle-based coffee house is bustling at the corner of Skidaway Road and Victory Drive.

For me, it’s just a scooter ride away! No more having to ply the whole Derenne/Abercorn Street maelstrom for a cup o’ stout Joe. Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz doesn’t have much to be happy about recently — but the synergy of this new location should put a smile on his face.

This busy but difficult to access corner had languished in its previous incarnation as a locally owned coffee shop. Despite Starbucks lagging stock prices and announcement last week that 600 under performing stores would be closing — this new location seems to be defying logic. Say what you will, but this speaks volumes to the brand power of Starbucks.

A steady stream of cars funnels into the city’s only drive-thru Starbucks and neighbors are already finding comfortable respite on the store’s large outdoor terrace. Me, I’m hooked on the apple fritter.

Welcome to the Starbucks crew!