The Clover Starbucks inside the REI store in Denver, Colorado is really a unique store! Those who’ve been following this blog know that I am on a journey to write about as many Clover Starbucks as possible, and I visited this Denver store on September 29, 2012. This Starbucks really is attached to a REI! There is a direct entrance to the Starbucks from the area near the Clover area. You don’t need to go back outside to go between REI and the Starbucks. And, if I haven’t made it clear, this is a company-operated Starbucks.
It’s a huge old-looking brick building close to the core of downtown Denver. I have to admit, once in a while when I stopped by a new store I get so engaged in conversations that I forget to take great photos. This kind of happened in this circumstance. Sorry that there are not more pictures!
I met the store manager, Michael, who prepared a little coffee tasting of Starbucks Brazil Peaberry with the Starbucks Vanilla Almond Biscotti.
I should back up a minute. If you want to visit this Clover location, here is the address:
Starbucks – REI (Store #6342)
1416 Platte River, Suite A
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 477 5445
I want to say a big thank you to Michael for the quick coffee pairing. I think it’s a very Starbuckian tradition that when you have a special guest, you share a cup of coffee with him or her. I am always especially flattered when partners plan a coffee tasting for my visit, even if a quick coffee tasting. Michael walked me through the four steps of a coffee tasting (1. Smell 2. Slurp – make lots of noise 3. Locate – Pinpoint where you notice the flavors in your mouth, and 4. Describe the flavors of the coffee.) I wrote about the Starbucks Brazil Yellow Bourbon Peaberry earlier this year – every store I know of is long-since sold out of it. Michael apparently hung onto his last open bag for this coffee tasting. And the Vanilla Almond Biscotti was a great choice. It only made me wish that Starbucks would source this coffee again soon. Michael did a great job, and it was an excellent food pairing.
This store has been here for twelve years! It’s original opening date was April 28, 2000. As I understand it, it launched the Clover about one year ago, and recently underwent a major remodel too. I think my timing was perfect to check out this store!
By the way, while I was at this store, I met up with a regular blog reader (Ethan – he seems to never comment but I know he’s reading) who is also a partner in Denver. Ethan it was wonderful meeting you!
Since, I didn’t get enough photos, this just means you have to go there yourself and see how great this store is!
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Wow Melody a company owned store in an REI store! That is a first for me and I wonder how that happened. We have an REI store near us and it would be nice to have a SB in it. The pics actually show to me at least that the design took in mind that they were in an REI store. I wonder whether each company helps the other with sales! Looks like a very inviting store. Thank you Melody and Michael.
Starbucks and REI together? I love it! We just got our first Clover store in St. Louis. It’s a great store and the building has a lot of history behind it. Hope you have the opportunity to come and check it out.
Tidbit #1 – The REI Denver location is built inside of an old power station once used to generate power for Denver’s streetcar system.
http://mithun.com/projects/project_detail/rei_denver/
I will link to some other pictures of the store in a later post, unless you would prefer I e-mail them Melody.
very cool concept (REI and Sbux) and I especially like what appears to be a stairway/ladder to…….where, I’m wondering. ? If it’s in use, I’m sure there are some ‘older’ customers who would rather not use that kind of ….. stair. ? I like how it looks tho. I always like a second floor to anything…I would hate, for example, a ranch house. If, for some reason, stairs became too much for anyone living there, then I’d want a master bedrm on the the fist floor and then more on the second floor. Solves 2 issues….
use it or lose it, I say…until you can’t.
It was amazing to meet you! You speak as passionately as you write! Your knowledge is extensive! It was refreshing to be receiving Starbucks history from a customer! Also brownie points for B.P.Y.B. Reserve as much as I do! I can’t wait to visit Seattle and connect all the historical
dots! A partners motherland!
Outside the store two rivers intersect. There are small beaches, a bridge, and bike trails from all directions. It is a nice place to hang out during the summer. Pictures linked below. Feel free to borrow them or delete the post Melody if you see fit. But you did mention you thought you did not have enough pictures. (All under 200K each.)
Looking back from corner by Clover station. Stairway is gated I believe. It was part of the old power station and is not used.
http://chocolateadventures.com/Coffee/REI-Denver/REI-Den-1.jpg
Very nice set of new wall pictures showing a coffee cupping and other steps in coffee processing. Makes sitting at the coffee bar by the Clover more fun.
http://chocolateadventures.com/Coffee/REI-Denver/REI-Den-2.jpg
Close up of the remodeled Clover store wall pictures showing various steps in coffee processing. I like the behind the scenes touch it gives. The store I just visited in Issaquah, WA also had a similar wall mural.
http://chocolateadventures.com/Coffee/REI-Denver/REI-Den-3.jpg
Look back across the store towards the counter. Super high ceilings!
http://chocolateadventures.com/Coffee/REI-Denver/REI-Den-4.jpg
From back near the staircase.
http://chocolateadventures.com/Coffee/REI-Denver/REI-Den-5.jpg
Nice wall display of pictures of the old power station. Visible in the right of picture 4.
http://chocolateadventures.com/Coffee/REI-Denver/REI-Den-6.jpg
Clover coffee AND REI gear in all one place?! I have to check this out!!
Wow, I think this my favorite store that you have shown us so far. Beautiful old brick building.
wow! what a gorgeous store! i’ve always been a fan of old bldgs…there’s so much history to them!
What a gorgeous store! WOW!
Melody you really struck gold with this store! I just looked through the extra pictures provided by Kurt and I am speechless as the the beauty of this store!
P.S. did I tell you that Austin just got its first Clover!!! I’m so excited! I took my DM to the lucky store and she had her very first Clover tasting! It was so much fun.
Taylor – You are right. There is still one more Clover store that I have to get to in Denver and I will definitely revisit this one. Kurt’s pics are amazing, and I’m thankful he posted the links here!