Revamped Starbucks shop eyes wine, savory meals; changes could be expanded nationwide

Starbucks shop tries wine, ‘coffee theater’

Changes coming soon at a Starbucks cafe on the edge of a trendy Seattle neighborhood eventually could ripple through the nation’s coffee house industry.

That’s because where Starbucks goes, others follow. Dubbed “Olive Way,” the store is the biggest percolator yet for the world’s largest coffee company’s ideas. What succeeds there will most likely be spread to other stores.

When it reopens in the fall, the store will have earthy colors, an indoor-outdoor fireplace, cushy chairs and wine from Pacific Northwest vineyards.

It also have espresso machines in the middle of the store in a “coffee theater” surrounded by narrow counters that put customers closer to baristas.

The Seattle company is trying to boost its afternoon and evening business.