Caffe Artigiano Takes Over Starbucks on Robson and Thurlow

Well all the rumours as to who is going to take over the vacated Starbucks space on Robson and Thurlow (below Red Robin) can be put to rest. It won’t be Apple, nor will it be another fashion retailer. It will be, brace for it…another coffee shop. According to the Globe & Mail, the corner of Robson and Thurlow will house a Caffe Artigiano.  

This deal has many, including myself scratching their heads. If Starbucks, which was always busy, couldn’t make it work with the landlords outrageous lease demands, how will Caffe Artigiano make it work? This move seems to be more of a publicity stunt rather than a sound business decision. After all the demo clause in the lease has to be of a concern for the owners of Caffe Artigiano. Only time will tell.