A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Starbucks coming to Perryville was held Aug. 9 at South Perryville Boulevard and Alma Avenue.
Approximately 50 people came out for the event led by Crystal Jones, director of the Perry County Economic Development Authority.
Addressing the crowd, Jones said, “Today marks an exciting day as we gather here for the groundbreaking of a new business, which is, of course, Starbucks. This isn't just the start of constructing a building; it is what we call the beginning of many other opportunities along the I-55 corridor, attracting visitors and additional revenue into the city of Perryville and Perry County.
“Economic development is so important to rural communities like ours. Certainly, our local businesses are very important to us and attracting new revenue into the community is important as well. For example, I talked to the construction manager, Corey England, on Monday when I met with him. He was telling me all the local restaurants that his crew has visited are staying at the Holiday Inn. So, moving money into the community is very essential.”
Jones also noted that materials for the construction are being purchased through local supplies.
“This is good news for our local businesses,’ she said. “Each new and existing business and each new and existing job strengthens our local economy, improves our quality of life, and paves the way for future growth. Starbucks will employ local residents, support families and contribute to the economy of the city of Perryville.”
Jones introduced Perryville Mayor Larry Riney, who addressed the crowd.
“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy day to be with us on this absolutely wonderful occasion of Starbucks coming to Perryville,” he said. “As mayor of our wonderful community, it is my great honor and privilege to welcome you all to the Starbucks Coffee groundbreaking ceremony. Anytime a business decides to locate in our wonderful city, it is an accomplishment of the hard work and dedication of our residents and a solid foundation laid by our existing businesses. Today's groundbreaking is a testament to the economic potential of our community.
“We anticipate Starbucks will draw new visitors and businesses to our town. This corner lot where we are standing has been vacant for many years. We knew that it was an excellent location for a business that would attract people off the interstate and are pleased that Mike [Wiles] and his team recognize this same potential. I want to thank BMW (Brewer, McCoy and Wiles Properties) Development for investing in our town and believing in us. I also want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality, especially our city staff, the Perry County Economic Development Authority, our friends with MoDOT, and the Bacon Farmer Workman Engineering Team.”
Mike Wiles explained his company’s part in the Starbucks project.
“We're a new construction company,” he said. “We're an interstate development company. We don't make coffee. We're just buying the dirt, building the building and leasing it to Starbucks. We think we're going to have it ready for them at the first of the year. It'll take them about three months to do their interior build-out and do their training. Probably around the latter part of March, we'll be selling $7 lattes.”
The program closed with the official groundbreaking ceremony.
