A drive-thru Starbucks opened on the north side of Abilene two months ago, serving black gold for thirsty students and travelers.
As the only Starbucks on I-20 for 272 miles between Midland and Weatherford, this new location is just an exit away for travelers.
Shift manager Chris Christopher said people have been asking for a northside location, and the Starbucks corporation used area logistics to choose a place for the store.
“It was about time something like that would happen,” Christopher said.
At any time of day, students and faculty can be seen at the drive-thru window or sitting inside with friends in the store, which opened June 25. Braden Crow, junior biblical text and communications major from Fort Worth, said the shop is a good place to get away from campus.
“I like having a Starbucks here,” Crow said. “It’s good for meetings; it’s good to catch up on homework. If you don’t want to see people and you get distracted in the library, it’s nice to come here or other coffee shops around town.”