Starbucks expands footprint with takeover of former Hardee’s

CEDAR RAPIDS — It’s out with Hardee’s and in with Starbucks as the Seattle-based coffee giant plans yet another location along one of Cedar Rapids’ main thoroughfares.

Signage indicates the coffee chain will soon open a new location at the corner of First Avenue and 32nd Street NE — the former home of a Hardee’s that has been vacant since the fast-food restaurant closed in the summer of 2021.

GLD Commercial marketing and research manager Amanda LaGrange said the construction at the high traffic location will begin in early 2024, weather permitting.

The site will be Starbucks’ third on First Avenue alone, after its locations in the Wellington Heights neighborhood and Lindale Crossing. It currently has 14 locations in Cedar Rapids and Marion, half of which are located inside Hy-Vee and Target stores. The majority of stores are located along First Avenue, Blairs Ferry Road and Edgewood Road.

Hardee’s shrinking footprint leaves two locations in the city — one on Blairs Ferry Road NE and one on 29th Avenue SW.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.