Starbucks in Severna Park Opens With Generosity

Coffees, lattes, Frappuccinos, tea, tall or short, topped with whipped cream, or plain if preferred, mini cups of free samples, cake on a stick, dainty pinafores, fresh fruit, and not a cash register open - as everything was free at the new Starbucks in Severna Park in celebration of the store's grand opening on Thursday night.

Word quickly spread of the "Friends and Family of Employees" celebration and the surrounding parking lots to the newly-opened Starbucks on Ritchie Highway (adjacent to Goskas Liquors) began to swell with cars from about 4 to 7 p.m.

Patrons, many family members of the employees, strolled around the spacious coffee shop suited with couches and chairs and other seating areas that surround the counter and carry-out area while talking and munching on a generous spread of Starbucks signature treats and drinks.

The counter was open for business of any kind as the employees were busy making specialty coffees and handing out free croissants and other items from the display case.

Manager Marc Tippin, a longtime resident of Severna Park and graduate of Severna Park High School, was busy greeting the guests along with Lesley Smith, Starbucks district manager with whom he has worked for 14 years at Starbucks. Tippin is thrilled to be managing the shop in his hometown.

"The Maryland region is better than it has ever been," he told the patrons.

The Severna Park store will be staffed with 16 employees. Company executives were also on hand to answer questions.

Besides the freebies, another major highlight of the evening was the presentation by Tippin on behalf of Starbucks, giving a $30,000 donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Pam Wilson and Don Baugh of the foundation graciously accepted the check.

"This is where we work and play," said Baugh. "Connecting kids to the local waterways and helping them get out on field trips and interested in science is what it's all about," Baugh said.

The early evening affair continued with a raffle and more patrons trickling in to see if the rumor was true about free food and drinks. "It's amazing, I'll come here - we needed this," said Linda Wilson of Severna Park.

Russ Jones of Arnold sat outside at a table with his granddaughter, 3 month-old, Jayden Baffrone.  "We're having a great time; she can't wait to have her first cup of coffee," joked Baffrone.