Starbucks Coming To MetWest International Retail Center

TAMPA, FL — MetWest International is adding Starbucks to its line-up of amenities at its retail center across from International Plaza and Tampa International Airport in Tampa’s Westshore Business District.

Starbucks will take over a portion of the former E*Trade space, leasing 1,668 square feet, according to Kalyn Brandewie of Florida Retail Partners, who represented MetWest ownership in the transaction.

The new Starbucks slated to open in late summer or early fall will be the third licensed store controlled by Tampa developer Punit Shah, CEO of Liberty Group and a minority owner of the Miami Marlins. Shah also owns licensed Starbucks stores on Harbour Island and in downtown Tampa’s Channel district.

Between MetWest’s one million square feet of office space, numerous restaurants and the on-site AC Hotel by Marriott as well as the project’s proximity to other nearby office buildings and apartments, MetWest is an ideal location for a new Starbucks, according to Shah.

“The addition of Starbucks to the mixed-use development is the missing piece of the puzzle," said Brandewie. "The customer base is robust with approximately 5,000 employees on-site in four Class A office buildings and 2,500 residential units surrounding the project.”

The store will also complement existing restaurants.

“Culturally, Starbucks shares our vision of providing premier hospitality experiences and, candidly, we really enjoy contributing to the energy that Starbucks brings to a neighborhood,” Shah said.

MetWest International is an award-winning, mixed-use center developed by MetLife Inc. It includes four office buildings; two multi-tenant buildings -- One MetroCenter and MetWest One -- as well as two buildings occupied by PwC: MetWest Two and Three.

MetWest also includes the 175-room AC by Marriott hotel, which opened in January 2018, and a 74,200 square foot retail village.

Retailers include Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Kona Grill, Texas de Brazil, Del Frisco’s Grille, Thai Prime, Davidoff of Geneva Cigar & Lounge, GolfTEC, Blo Blow Dry Bar, The Bar Method and Beal Bank.

An upscale residential apartment site and a 28,000-square-foot retail anchor site remain available for development. www.metwestinternational.com