The first Starbucks location ever in the NWT is prepared for its official opening on May 7.

Joining only two other Starbucks locations north of 60 (both in Whitehorse) a handful of staff were busy inside on May 6 with the final touches before the Old Airport Road cafe opens at 9 a.m. on May 7.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e incredibly excited to bring Starbucks to the community for both Yellowknifers born and raised there and also people whoSA国际影视传媒檝e moved to Yellowknife,SA国际影视传媒� said Erin Fenwick, spokesperson for franchise owner Soul Foods Group. SA国际影视传媒淲e know lots of people from Ontario and B.C. are missing Starbucks. WeSA国际影视传媒檙e excited to bring our handcrafted coffee drinks to the city.SA国际影视传媒�

The opening will come four days after the neighbouring KFC opened to a huge customer influx on May 3.

RELATED REPORTING: Hundreds of Yellowknifers welcome back KFC

The two businesses are part of the same project that has been planned for three years.

Starbucks will employ about 50 people across different shifts, a staffing level that will meet anticipated demand, said Fenwick.

SA国际影视传媒淭he response has been incredible and if itSA国际影视传媒檚 anything like KFC or even close to it we know itSA国际影视传媒檒l be quite busy. WeSA国际影视传媒檝e seen a lot of response on Facebook and Instagram, especially from the younger generations.

SA国际影视传媒淲e hope itSA国际影视传媒檒l be just as busy (as the KFC opening). A lot of people find comfort in their morning coffees. WeSA国际影视传媒檙e happy to be part of peoplesSA国际影视传媒� morning routines.SA国际影视传媒�

Doors open at 9 a.m. A planned ribbon cutting ceremony was cancelled out of respect for the spread of COVID-19 cases in the city, said Fenwick.