Plethora of coffee shops dominate E. University Blvd.

Cafe Paraiso, 808 E. University Blvd., and The Coffee Plantation, 845 E. University Blvd., met a new neighbor and coffee competitor, Starbucks Coffee Co., 802 E. University Blvd., when it opened its doors Feb. 21.

One might think relations among the three companies are heating up, but Jacquie Rinder, The Coffee Plantation's general manager, said the stores are getting along fine.

"Each store has something unique to offer," Rinder said. "We have a larger study area so that students can spread their books out and relax."

Ray Easterbrook, Cafe Paraiso's manager and co-owner, agreed that each restaurant has its own virtues.

"Starbucks is strictly coffee and we're a coffeehouse cafe," Easterbrook said. "We have coffee and food, plus our prices are more reasonable."

Six establishments now serve gourmet coffee along the two-block area between North Park and Euclid avenues. The others are Arizona Bagel Bakery, 994 E. University Blvd., Cafe Latte, 911 E. University Blvd., and Baskin Robbins/Dunkin' Donuts, 904 E. University Blvd.

The Marshall Foundation, which owns most of the property along University Boulevard, approved the plethora of caffeine stops without qualms.

"We have always felt that when you bring in coffee shops and national merchants like the Gap, it attracts more people and creates a better marketplace for everyone concerned," said Chuck Jackson, Marshall Foundation president.

"I personally didn't hear complaints about competition from Coffee Plantation and Cafe Paraiso," Jackson said. "I am aware that there was some concern, but they were all aware that we were putting Starbucks in."

Easterbrook said, "I don't think it was necessary (to add Starbucks). It's already saturated as it is, but the Marshall Foundation wants to go with large franchises."

Cafe Paraiso shares an open-air courtyard with Starbucks, while The Coffee Plantation is across the street from the duo.

Rinder said that in Phoenix, it is common for Starbucks and The Coffee Plantation to be near each other.

"I think it adds coffee awareness and a greater variety for the customer," Rinder said. "What's important is how the customer is treated inside the shop."

Business is slow but encouraging at Starbucks, Mike Kristen, the company's store manager, said last week.

"We just opened our doors Saturday (Feb. 21), so it's a little slow," Kristen said. "But every day there's a little bit more business."

He said Starbucks was working to create an atmosphere where "people can just hang out and drink coffee and do whatever they want to do."

Kristen said he is confident the new Starbucks will be successful.

"Starbucks wouldn't build here if it couldn't make a go of it," he said.