North End Residents Are Fighting a Proposed Starbucks

Boston’s North End neighborhood stood firm and vocal in its opposition to a proposed Starbucks on Hanover Street, with local business owners and residents arguing against the addition of the coffee chain during a nearly three-hour public meeting this week at the Nazzaro Community Center.

Starbucks has requested a take-out license at 198 Hanover St. as part of the proposed Charter Realty development, which has already received some construction permits. Representatives from the development and Starbucks did voice support at the meeting, but opposition dominated, with John Picariello of Modern Pastry and Damien DiPaola of Carmelina’s and Vito’s making statements that the chain did not belong in the neighborhood. Other establishments against the proposed Starbucks include Monica’s, Caffe Dello Sport, J. Cirache & Son, and others.

The North End has so far remained relatively insulated to out-of-town and local chains alike: While there’s a Peet’s Coffee on Salem Street near the proposed Starbucks location, not even locally born Dunkin’ Donuts has a store in the North End.

A similar battle previously occurred in South Boston in 2016, where the community argued against a Starbucks proposed for 749 E Broadway out of concern it would siphon business from other local shops. Starbucks won out and ended up opening in the space.

Further meetings regarding the proposed North End Starbucks will occur in July.

• Starbucks Loudly Opposed at Public Meeting for North End Location [NEW]
• Starbucks Wins Battle for South Boston [EBOS]