A new Costa Coffee drive-thru has opened at Newport Retail Park today (Thursday), with the first customers arriving shortly after the store opened at 08:00.
The new coffee shop opened on Thursday (5th November), with motorists queuing to use the drive-thru during the morning.
The very first order placed at the new branch was a medium Americano and 2 croissants.
The store is staffed by a team of 14 Islanders, including 5 transfers from existing branches, with employees ranging in age from 16 to 54.
Leading the new team is Rhiannon, who previously managed Costa Coffee on Ryde High Street and is keen to make the Newport branch more than just somewhere to grab a coffee.
As well as serving customers, Rhiannon hopes to establish the store as a community hub, with plans to organise charity events, bingo and quiz nights.
Local groups, including knitting clubs and cycling groups, are also being welcomed to use the coffee shop as a place to meet and socialise.
A major focus for the new branch will be customer service, with the team aiming to provide a friendly, cheerful welcome alongside a quick and efficient experience for those using the drive-thru.
The ambition is to get drinks into customers’ hands within just 30 seconds of ordering.
Another feature of the new Costa is the introduction of freshly baked pastries and cookies prepared on the premises, something being offered at the Newport store ahead of plans to introduce the same offering at other Costa branches across the Isle of Wight.
Although the store opened at 08:00 today as a one-off arrangement, its regular opening hours will be 06:00-22:00, 7 days a week, from tomorrow, Friday (6th November).
The extended hours will apply to the drive-thru too, giving customers the opportunity to pick up a coffee from early morning until late evening.
