Overview
It may seem like there’s already a Starbucks on every corner. But the company is planning to add thousands of new locations in the coming decade. The company is trying to regain business lost during the pandemic when commuting routines in urban markets were disrupted as many office employees worked from home.
With the sizeable migration of residents from the Northeast and Midwest to the Sunshine State during the 2020 pandemic, Starbucks is turning to GSD Contracting to build new, more efficient store types like the one at 1501 NE 26th Street in Wilton Manors. This ground-up construction project replaced another Starbucks located a few blocks down the road.
The upgraded locale features:
- Intuitive drive-thru exit and entranceways
- Outdoor seating
- Expanded parking for curbside pickup
This project created its own set of special challenges due to the 2020 pandemic. Not only did GSD need to comply with Starbucks’ construction guidelines but in addition, Federal, State, County, and City COVID-19 guidelines. GSD had to implement protocols to prevent workers from getting sick and the job site getting shut down. GSD’s project manager and supervisor creatively staggered crew schedules so there were never more than 10-15 workers on site at once. Planning and construction meetings were conducted offsite to reduce headcounts for social distancing. GSD instituted advanced on-site sanitization measures including disinfection of trailers and equipment, install sanitation stations, handwashing sinks, and potable water for the crew to drink. This investment in safety and compliance resulted in zero infections and a slight delay in delivering the project on time. This new Starbucks was one of only four active construction projects in Fort Lauderdale at the height of the pandemic. GSD’s experienced and creative project managers and supervisors know how to navigate unexpected challenges. This is how GSD builds trust.