When Starbucks Coffee opened its doors to customers on Dec. 18 in Tusayan, Ariz., it became the iconic brand’s first location in the gateway community to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, and the first in Delaware North’s portfolio.
Delaware North, which operates the store, has been developing the project for more than two years.
“We turned a vacant dirt lot into a stylish and inviting Starbucks, which is a perfect addition to the area. We look forward to delighting coffee lovers from around the globe when they visit the Grand Canyon,” said Dan Lyle, general manager for Delaware North at Grand Canyon, who noted that the park attracts 6 million annual guests.
Lyle credited Jeremiah Collins, a corporate development project manager at Delaware North’s global headquarters, with leading “the collaborative effort with Starbucks to create the stunning outlet.”
The Starbucks was built adjoining Delaware North’s Tusayan General Store, which has offered groceries, souvenirs and gifts to Grand Canyon visitors for more than 15 years. The world-renowned coffee brand provided by Starbucks is expected to be an excellent draw for store customers.
The Tusayan Starbucks staff — under the direction of Manager Kimberly Franks — is currently training with Starbucks corporate trainers at the new store. The entire team is excited to start serving world-famous Starbucks lattes, mochas and frappuccinos, Lyle said.