An illustration shows the interior of the proposed Starbucks in Downtown Jacksonville. | City of Jacksonville
Published on October 15, 2025 at 4:49 pm
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A Starbucks franchise holder with plans to bring the coffee chain back into Downtown Jacksonville after a 14-year hiatus will get financial assistance from the city.
Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority board voted unanimously Wednesday to award Starbucks Jax LLC and its future landlord, Jacksonville Tower Florida Realty LP, a combined $133,200 in incentives to build out a Starbucks in the ground floor of the Bank of American Tower.
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Starbucks Jax will receive what will be a $118,200 forgivable loan through the DIA’s Targeted Retail Activation: Food and Beverage Establishments Program. The deal also includes $15,000 in a sidewalk enhancement grant.
The money would help pay for the $579,550 Starbucks in a vacant, 2,363-square-foot retail space in the ground floor of the tower at 50 N. Laura St. and a $24,215 patio project.
Returning Downtown
It would be the first Starbucks in Downtown Jacksonville since 2011, when the chain closed its location at the former Jacksonville Landing on the St. Johns River, according to a DIA staff report.
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City officials say Starbucks’ presence on the Downtown Northbank will be a sign of health for companies that are considering relocating to or expanding their operations into Jacksonville’s central business district.
The Starbucks project is already in permit review with the city, according to Jacksonville Today news partner The Jacksonville Daily Record.
Once it’s open, the DIA staff report says the Starbucks will employ about 25 baristas and support staff. It will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
