A pair of drive-through coffee shops from smaller chains based in Oregon will join the landscape in Lompoc.
The Human Bean and Dutch Bros. Coffee recently received approval from the Lompoc Planning Commission for new stores along North H Street.
The two new coffee shops provide a boost of “good economic (development) news” for Lompoc, City Manager Jim Throop said.
“It’s an investment in our community,” Mayor Jenelle Osborne told Noozhawk, adding that residents seem excited for the additions.
Both infill projects will revamp rundown sites along one of the city’s main thoroughfares.
They will join two stand-alone Starbucks stores plus a Starbucks counter inside the Vons store along with independent businesses, including the drive-through Coffee Time, the One Room Coffee Shop and the venerable South Side Coffee Co. in the city limits.
“I think it’s exciting to have additional choices and to invest in our community, but I don’t see it as a detriment to the businesses here because some of them are really unique and a special draw,” Osborne added.
A significant number of residents commute to jobs on the South Coast while others work for one of two employers with 24/7 operations — the Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution and Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Osborne said she doesn’t believe the new coffee shops will take a bite out of existing businesses.
Lompoc’s commuter population will be served by the drive-through shops, while South Side will maintain its special role, she added.
“South Side is a very unique locally owned hangout, and people really want a local coffee shop that has become grab a cup a joe and go,” Osborne said.
South Side has long served as a meeting place for Lompoc residents plus hosted live entertainment before COVID-19.
In addition to coffee, South Side and One Room serve soups and other foods, using social media to tempt customers with fresh-based muffins, unique bagels or to-go boxes.
Since 1994, South Side has served as a hub for the community while its outdoor seating provided a rare spot during COVID-19 precautions.
“I think, especially as we’re all vaccinated and we’re reopening, places to connect are going to be vital to our community,” Osborne said.
Human Bean intends to open at 401 North H St., the home of an existing used car lot where the small building will be demolished. The current project proposes to construct a 600-square-foot coffee shop with dual drive-through lanes plus a walk-up window for customers. Vehicular access to the coffee shop would be from West Laurel Avenue, with parking and landscaping planned.
Human Bean, which began in 1998 in Ashland, Ore., now has its headquarters in Medford, Ore. A Human Bean representative said the Lompoc store could be open by the end of 2021.
Coincidentally, a second drive-through coffee shop appeared on the same agenda — and also earned Planning Commission approval.
The Dutch Bros. coffee shop would encompass 871 square feet at 812 North H St. The 0.44-acre site includes a vacant restaurant building — formerly La Botte Italian Restaurant, which moved across the street. The old restaurant building will be demolished to allow for the construction of a new coffee shop.
Dutch Bros. plans drive-through and walk-up windows. Vehicular access to the site will be from North H Street, according to city staff.
Dutch Bros., where an employee is known as a “broista,” recently opened a shop in north Santa Maria.
The company, which started in 1992 and has its headquarters in Grants Pass, Ore., did not have a targeted opening date for the Lompoc shop, a spokeswoman said.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.