Many Mountaineers crave Starbucks’ Strawberry Acai Refreshers, seasonal lattes, and even simple coffees. Unfortunately, their cravings won’t be satisfied just down the street from the Regional until the summer of 2026.
“I feel really excited because I’m tired of Dunkin’ and it’s something new,” said senior Alison Grady, “but it’s sad that it won’t be open for this school year.”
Starbucks will be located on 788 Main Street, adjacent to the Speedway gas station.
“I’m really excited and it’s across the street from Ellie’s Pet Barn where I work, so I will be going there every day,” said junior Sarah Veith.
Several Wachusett residents question whether or not the town really needed a Starbucks.
“I think it’s interesting because there are so many coffee shops in Holden already like Dunkin’s, Brilla, Sweets & Java and Donut Kitchen,” said Assistant Principal Matt Lane.
Many teachers said they enjoy Starbucks and have it multiple days a week. They arrive every morning with a Starbucks cup in their hand, prepared for the day.
“I feel extremely excited because I love Starbucks,” said English teacher Michelle Waire, “but I know it’s going to impact school traffic in the morning.”
The main concern about Starbucks opening in town is the increased traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times, although some adults believe this impact is limited to certain areas.
“I don’t think it will be a problem in most of the towns but maybe the other half of Holden will experience more traffic,” said Lane.
Additionally, many individuals expect traffic to worsen around 4 P.M., when most people leave work. There is strong anticipation that this coffee shop will cause tumultuous traffic.
“I feel indifferent about it, and I don’t think it will change traffic because I feel it’s already bad in the afternoon,” said psychology teacher Chelsea Blasco.
Several high school students are excited about the new Starbucks in town because it gives them another place to hang out. Seniors, in particular, like being able to leave early from their studies.
“It would be nice being able to leave early and getting to go to Starbucks when it’s not that busy,” said senior Lilliana Guzman.
Some students said that once the new Starbucks arrives it will cause more people to bring drinks into school, going against the drink and food policy.
“I’m happy about it, but I do think people are going to get in trouble for the plastic cups,” said sophomore Alex Bruce.
There are some students who believe that there will be no conflict involving the drink and food policy.
“I don’t think it will have an effect on the drink and food rule because they just set new ones for this school year,” said senior Nolan Fanning.
Both students and school personnel in the district have varied opinions about their drinks, influenced by both taste and presentation. This is likely because Dunkin’ and Starbucks each offer different options.
“I think a lot more people will go to Starbucks than Dunkin’s because it’s better quality,” said freshman Ava Charest.
“I think Starbucks will lean into the profits of Dunkin and Sweets & Java and cause less business,” said business teacher Ryan Cody.
Businesses in the town will experience the repercussions of introducing a large chain coffee shop in Holden, a relatively small town.
Ultimately, there is much commotion surrounding the forthcoming coffee destination in Holden. Whether students and administrators support or oppose this new addition, Starbucks will make its mark this summer.
