Ayrshire coffee aficionados could soon be in for a treat after Starbucks submitted a planning application in Irvine.
The American coffee giants are known to be looking at expanding their offering in Ayrshire after confirming plans to open in Ayr last year.
Plans submitted to North Ayrshire Council by Starbucks could also see a new outlet opening in part of the former Tony Macaroni restaurant at the Riverway Retail Park.
In June 2024, plans to sub-divide the unit were given approval by North Ayrshire Council but Starbucks remained tight-lipped despite advertising jobs for a new outlet in Irvine.
Starbucks are now seeking to undertake exterior works to the former restaurant which include replacing the existing shop front glazing and creating a new entrance to the store.
The plans also include new render finishes to the external walls.
Documents submitted to North Ayrshire Council suggest that Starbucks would utilise the northern half of the former restaurant.
Previously approved plans would see a coffee shop and travel agents occupying the subdivided unit.
If approved, Starbucks could be one step closer to opening their first standalone outlet in Ayrshire with Prestwick’s Starbucks located within the town’s Sainsbury’s store.
The plans are listed as validated on North Ayrshire Council’s planning portal and a decision will be made at a future date.
Starbucks previously tried to open a drive-thru outlet at Girdle Toll but plans were refused by the council.
Founded in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker in Seattle, Washington, Starbucks was initially a coffee bean wholesaler before expanding into the coffeehouse chain it is today.
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