Business & Tech
Rockn' Joe Aims for Increased Sales During Starbucks Renovation
With its biggest competition - Starbucks - closing down for 10 days, Rockn' Joe is hoping to cash in.
The owners of Rockn' Joe in Westfield are hoping to do some rockn' business throughout the next week and a half.
It's because their biggest competition - Starbucks - is closing down for the next 10 days for renovations.
"We're looking forward to the opportunity to have a whole bunch of new customers and see what better coffee is all about," owner Lance Marvin said laughing.
Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He said for the rest of this week through Friday of next week Rockn' Joe will open two hours earlier at 7am in order to try to nab customers who would usually go to Starbucks. The store will open at 8:30am instead of 9am for the next two Sundays.
"We're excited about the prospect of introducing our product to people who may not have tried us before," Marvin said.
Find out what's happening in Westfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He said some of his staff will be handing out free drink cards to people walking around the downtown. Customers who purchase a coffee during the morning rush will also get a free drink card.
Marvin said there are very few places to get coffee in the downtown so they're hoping to get a big influx of business with Starbucks being closed. However he said his location on Prospect Street is not as conducive to morning commuters. Still Marvin is hoping some people will give his coffee a try.
"Hopefully we'll have some first timers," Marvin said.
Employees at Ahrres on Elm Street reported seeing an uptick in sales in the first days after Starbucks closed.
Representatives from Starbucks corporate offices didn't return several of Patch's phone calls regarding the details of the renovations. Patch has learned the renovations will involve a redesign of the interior of the store, one of the oldest in New Jersey. The employees are currently working at other Starbucks or taking the time off. Customers have said they plan to find coffee alternatives during the renovations.
Marvin said Rockn' Joe will keep the earlier opening hours a few days after Starbucks reopens.
"I figured let's see what happens after they reopen," Marvin said.
