Walnut's Drive-Thru Starbucks Now Open for Business

The long-awaited drive-thru Starbucks on Valley Boulevard and Lemon Avenue is now open for business.

Walnut Community Development Director Tom Weiner said that the coffee house opened a couple of weeks ago.

Starbucks is the anchor for the two-story mixed-use project. The bottom floor is completed and the city is working to help the owner find potential tenants for the site, Weiner said.

Mexican fast food eatery Taco Factory was to locate at the site but has decided not too, Weiner said, adding that it was a business decision on the company's end and not related to the city.

The top floor has not been released to lease out to tenants because there are still a few issues the contractor has to work on, he said.

The Planning Commission approved the site plan and architecture for the 7,390-square-foot, two-story building in February 2012. In March, the commission approved the conditional use permit for the project, which will include retail and office space.

Weiner said in September that although the construction went slower than expected, the city was pleased with the look of the development.

"We wanted the building to make a statement but mix in with the existing business park," he said.  "As an entry way to the city, we are very happy with how it has turned out."