Lake Wilderness Starbucks Relocation

Maple Valley's oldest Starbucks, at Lake Wilderness Village, which was the only one in town when we moved here 22 years ago, will relocate.
The new location will be 23818 225th Ave SE.  The last day for the current one is this Monday, the 16th of March.  The new location will open on Friday.

Howard Schultz Tossing Latte In Ring?

News sources including the Seattle Times, have run stories about the possibility of Starbucks Howard Schultz entering the presidential race as a Democrat.  There is really no rhyme or reason for Schultz to consider this, while the Starbucks brand is nationally known, I don't believe that Schultz is.  
In the Seattle area where he is well known, Schultz is widely blamed for selling the Super Sonics to out of town interests, leading to the loss of NBA basketball in the area.  For the people who don't like sports, they may remember that Schultz wanted the legislature to approve funds to remodel the Key Arena, during a recession that was devastating to our state. 
Of course, Schultz had brought Starbucks back to life when he reassumed the CEO position, but good businessmen do not always make good politicians.

Maple Valley Four Corners Starbucks Remodeled

The Starbucks at Four Corners in Maple Valley has undergone an extensive remodel.  In addition to being larger, it offers beer and wine along with it's coffee and tea selections.  Entertainment is also featured on the weekends.  The location is at 26910 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd SE, Maple Valley 98038.

Sears To Close Sodo Location

It has been announced that Sears will pull out of it's Sodo (South Downtown) location this year.  Radio reports said that it was the oldest continuous operating store in existence, however, I was unable to find anything to back that up.  The historic building is located at 76 S Lander Street and has been a visible but quiet landmark of the area once named for being south of the dome.  The building also houses the world headquarters for Starbuck's, which moved to the location in 1997 and put it's logo on the tower. 
Once the nations top retailer, Sears has struggled in recent years and has lost market share to online retailers and brick and mortar competitors like Target and Costco.

Coffee To Go, Please!

A simple picture of former Washington Governor, now U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke has sent China going ga-ga and has even increased hits on this blog.  The picture was taken at our own Sea-Tac Airport.  The Chinese are used to seeing diplomats treated with privilige.  A man walking through the airport, saw Ambassador Locke, with a backpack ordering at Starbucks with his daughter in tow and snapped the picture.