NEW COSTA OPENS
Drive-thru only for now at latest branch
HOSPITALITY chain Costa has opened its latest Stoke-on-trent branch.
The new outlet has been built off King Street, in Fenton, on part of the former Diamond Gimson works, which had not operated since 1999.
There are also wider plans for an eight-pump petrol station, a convenience store, and 28 parking spaces within the development.
Costa is only operating as a drive-thru during this phase of the coronavirus lockdown.
Branch manager, Kate Sterling, said: “The trade has been really good so far. We were due to open in May and then the lockdown delayed things.
“We are currently drive-thru only and we have a tray which drops down at the final drive-thru window so there is no contact when customers are collecting their order.
“We want to make people aware that we are here. We are looking forward to welcoming customers.
“We have staff here from other stores to help, and they are all socially distancing while at work as we have blocked out certain areas.”
Costa already has standalone Stoke-on-trent branches within Hanley’s intu Potteries shopping centre; off Etruria Road, in Hanley; and in Tunstall. Building work has also started on a new Costa on part of the car park at Newcastle Morrisons.
Customer Jackie Perry, aged 42, of Fenton, said: “I love Costa and we don’t live that far away so it’s nice to have one here. It looks really nice and it’s a good space for it.”
Jason Moore, aged 45, from Fenton, added: “It’s nice to have another option. It’s something different and I am looking forward to sitting in for a coffee when we can. I like Costa’s coffee and it’s always nice to sit in and have a coffee and a cake.”