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Urban Coffee Opportunities
Starbucks
Coffee Company and Johnson Development Corporation (JDC) formed Urban Coffee
Opportunities, LLC (UCO) in February 1998 to enhance the development of Starbucks
retail stores in ethnically diverse, urban and suburban neighborhoods across
the country. The initial focus of the joint venture is African American and
Hispanic American communities.
UCO was formed because Starbucks and JDC both recognized there was a segment of the market that could support further economic development of major high-end retailers. The concept combines the retail strength of Starbucks with JDC’s knowledge of real estate in key metropolitan markets and relationships in local communities.
Criteria for UCO site selection varies from site to site, with emphasis on
opening UCO stores in ethnically diverse and minority communities. More than
70 of the 125 UCO stores planned across the United States have opened to date.
Each UCO store displays a framed photograph of Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
JDC, formed in 1992, endeavors to be the nation’s foremost development
company enriching and entertaining under-served markets across the country by
providing entertainment complexes, restaurants and retail centers in these markets.
Execution of these independent activities is accomplished through 50/50 partnerships
with several of the most successful businesses in their market categories.
Currently, JDC has a presence in 65 cities and 16 states capitalizing on its
blends of relationships with Loews Cineplex Entertainment (Magic Johnson Theaters),
Starbucks, T.G.I. Friday’s and Washington Mutual.