Starbucks gets OK to serve beer, wine at Fashion Island

Patrons looking for an alternative to coffee in the evening will find new options at the Starbucks’ Fashion Island location in coming months.

Newport Beach’s zoning administrator approved a use permit Thursday afternoon for the coffeehouse to serve beer and wine. It is the first Starbucks in the city that is allowed to sell alcohol.

In connection with the approval, the store, currently next to R+D Kitchen, plans to move to a 3,234-square-foot space now occupied by a clothing store at 137 Newport Center Drive. The current tenant will move to another space in the shopping center, according to a city staff report.

Starbucks also proposes a 1,210-square-foot outdoor patio where patrons will be able to consume alcohol. The store is expected to open in May, said Keith Glassman, a consultant for Starbucks.

“These enhancements will allow Starbucks to continue to provide a social gathering in its new location and an alternative for area residents that will serve as a convenient and relaxed alternative to restaurants,” Glassman wrote in the application to the city.

The Seattle-based coffee giant began rolling out beer and wine options, along with an expanded evening menu of small-plate items, to various locations nationwide several years ago.

The chain has nighttime operations – dubbed Starbucks Evenings – in Huntington Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita and Los Angeles County.

Starbucks Evenings locations offer a selection of beer, as well as sparkling, white and red wines. The price range for drinks is $5 to $12 per glass.

Small-plate options include Parmesan-crusted chicken skewers with honey Dijon sauce, bacon-wrapped dates with balsamic glaze and truffle macaroni and cheese.

Though the permit approved by Newport Beach allows Starbucks to sell alcohol any time, the store plans to sell beer and wine only between 4 p.m. and closing at 11 p.m., Glassman said.

He said he expects about 12 drinks to be sold each night as an “incidental to the core business.”

“In no way do we expect it to become a profit center,” he said.