Starbucks Could Be a Boon to Wilton Manors Real Estate

By Mary Damiano

When my husband and I purchased our piece of South Florida real estate in Wilton Manors three years ago, we were attracted to the area because of its small-town feel, its friendly atmosphere, and the fact that while it’s centrally located near I-95 and Fort Lauderdale, it looks different and feels different than almost any other place in South Florida.

For one thing, all of the businesses that line Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors’ main street are one-of-kind. No golden arches or the like in sight, just block after block of locally owned restaurants and unique boutiques. In a region where homogenization runs rampant, this individuality sets Wilton Manors apart.

But homogenization can take hold of even the homiest cities. Next year, Starbucks will open its doors just a block off the main drag of Wilton Drive, in a 2,200 square foot space that used to house a cozy, neighborhood restaurant.

Wilton Manors already has two coffee shops that have become local institutions: Stork’s Bakery and Café, owned by the former mayor of Wilton Manors, and Java Boys, a specialty coffee shop which also offers Internet access. Both shops are within a half mile from where Starbucks will be brewing its coffee.

The owners of both Java Boys and Storks say that they don’t mind Starbucks brewing up pot after pot in their backyard, and that competition is good. Both have faith in their loyal customer base and in their ability to offer a kind of community that a chain like Starbucks might lack.

Indeed, while some might say that the opening of Starbucks as the beginning of the end of Wilton Manors as we know it, maybe having a Starbucks in Wilton Manors will actually draw visitors to this charming city. Maybe they’ll come for the formulaic mocha latte grande and take a look around at the shops of retro furnishings, exotic candy and locally designed duds. Maybe they’ll stop by for coffee but stay to have lunch or dinner at one of Wilton Manors many locally-owned restaurants. Maybe they’ll drive through the streets to and from Starbucks and notice the quiet, tree-filled neighborhoods, the charming houses and condos for sale in Wilton Manors, and see how the people walking their dogs smile and say hello when they pass by. Maybe they’ll come for the coffee and decide to check out the real estate in Wilton Manors, and decide, like we did three years ago, that it would be a good place to call home.