
"The Starbucks in Coronado could become the coffee chain’s first store in Southern California to start selling beer and wine."
That was Lori Weisberg's opening sentence in her San Diego Union-Tribune article titled "Coronado Starbucks seeks OK to sell alcohol".
Ms. Weisberg quoted Starbucks spokesman Zack Hutson as saying:
“We are excited about potentially bringing wine, beer and an enhanced food menu to our Coronado store,” Hutson said. “Located in the heart of Coronado, this store is ideally situated for the concept. We are hoping to create a new occasion for our customers to visit our Coronado store in the evening or late afternoon in a comfortable and inviting environment that will allow them to connect with the people they care about.”
Really? It's my opinion that we might have a new trend here in Coronado. So many businesses up and down Orange Avenue are applying for liquor licenses. As disappearing businesses close their doors, many have been reopened as drinking establishments. Here's just a few that come to mind:
Marie Callenders . . . . . . Vigilucci's Ristorante
Beach and Diner . . . . . . Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge
Wendy's . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Tavern
Shoe Store/Hallmark? . . .Wine Styles
Laundromat . . . . . . . . . . Nicky Rottens (extended)
It's difficult to remember what used to be here . . . before. When Coronado was known for rolling up the sidewalks around 9pm. The northern end of Orange Avenue had Mexican Village serving cervesa and now in it's place there's Coronado Brewing Company, Coronado Firehouse Bar & Grill, Sapori's, and Nicky Rottens Bar & Burger Joint serving or applying for a ABC permit. And Little Bar's been there forever-and-a-day.
Other established businesses on Orange Avenue that already serve liquor include Bistro D'Asia, McP's Irish Pub & Grill, Danny's Palm Bar & Grill, Rhinoceros Cafe & Grill, Brigantine, Miguel's Cocina, Tent City (changing to Candela's), Costa Azul Grill & Rotisserie, Village Pizzeria, Primavera Ristorante, La Terrazza Ristorante, Island Pasta and Yummy Sushi. There's even more that I believe are serving but I can't be positive so I have eliminated them from the list.
The Hotel del Coronado offers drinking at 1500 Ocean, Babcock & Storey Bar, Sundeck Bar & Grill and Sheerwater.
You can pick up a six-pack or a bottle at Von's, Central Liquor & Deli, Park Place Liquor & Deli and Coronado Bottle Shop.
So all the businesses I have listed—plus the ones I eliminated—are all located on Orange Avenue. I would be curious what percentage of Orange Avenue businesses sell alcohol.
Is Coronado really THAT thirsty to keep all these establishments in business? I think most residents head home after a long day to pop a cold one in front of the TV. So who's going to drink all this liquor? "Build it and they will come." The California ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) keeps handling out those permits. And once that particular building has a liquor license, it stays and encourages new owners to get on the liquor train (previously known as the gravy train).
It just seems like a lot of competition to get those drinking patrons into your establishment. I listed over thirty off the top of my head. And Orange Avenue isn't a very long avenue. It seems that Orange Avenue has become top heavy in alcohol sales. Has the city a plan to nip it in the bud if it gets out of control? Will there be more police officers on duty at night to keep the peace and keep people who have had a little too much off the streets?
There's a lot of items in the news about San Diego cities having problems with their nightlife. I hope that Coronado does not become the new drinking destination.
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