The United Supermarket on Judge Ely Boulevard started construction this week to open a Starbucks across from Sharky’s Burrito Company.

In 2013, United Supermarket’s became a part of the Albertson’s team.

“Once we were acquired by Albertson’s, Albertson’s has their own franchising license,” said Tim Farrar, store director. “Being a part of the Albertson’s chain has given us a better opportunity to grow and look at different options for retail.”

This United Supermarket in the past has tried two small businesses that were unable to stay open, but the supermarket team came up with the idea to put Starbucks in this location.

Farrar said he is excited about the potential for new faces to visit his store.

“It makes sense to go with a well known, established coffee brand to put in here,” Farrar said. “Bringing Starbucks might bring in a total new crowd that may not even know that we have a Sharky’s here. It will be a benefit to the entire store.”

With this new Starbucks location being less than one mile from campus, students will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite drinks off campus.

“I am really excited to have a Starbucks close to campus,” said Sarah Yarbrough, a junior marketing major from Farmers Branch. “I won’t have to go back to campus once I have finished for the day or drive across town to get Starbucks. I’m sure it will become another place to meet up that is not on campus.”

Construction will take place early this month. Nov. 23 is the set date for Starbucks to begin training.

“Spicy ranch and a pumpkin-spiced latte, what more could you want?” said Anna Beasley, a senior kinesiology from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Farrar said he wants the community to enjoy the Starbucks and drink up.