Another Starbucks comes to Menlo Park Another Starbucks comes to Menlo Park (July 27, 2005)

** This one will go into the Sharon Heights shopping center.

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

Starbucks is coming to the Sharon Heights shopping center in late August.

It will be the fifth Starbucks in Menlo Park, including one on the Alameda de las Puglas at Avy Avenue in unincorporated West Menlo Park.

The Sharon Heights Starbucks will take over the space formerly occupied by Neil's Store for Men, which was owned and operated by well-known haberdasher Neil Siciliano, who retired almost two years ago.

"It took so long to find the right tenant for the space," said Tom Scott of Cambridge Management, who has handled the center's leases for more than 10 years. "The center is desirable real estate, and we were selective about finding a tenant that would serve the neighborhood and not compete with the other tenants."

Work has started on remodeling the 2,100-square-foot space, which is larger than the usual Starbucks, said Mr. Scott.

About 16 to 20 jobs will be created, a Starbucks spokesperson said.

Other Menlo Park Starbucks are at 693 Santa Cruz Ave. downtown; on Willow Road at Hamilton Avenue in Belle Haven; and at 863 El Camino Real at Live Oak.

Some tenants in the Sharon Heights shopping center said they are pleased that Starbucks is moving in and Safeway is remodeling and expanding.

"It benefits everyone as there will be more stores and services for people to patronize," said Nancy Burger, who with her husband Les moved their Ladera Travel agency to the shopping center a year ago.

Sheilla Sutherland, owner of the Children's Shoppe, said any inconvenience from the Safeway remodeling will be well worth it. "The store is getting to be beautiful."

The only vacant space remaining in the Sharon Heights center is part of an area formerly leased by the Surrey Shop.

"We hope to attract an upscale restaurant with table service when space becomes available," said Mr. Scott.

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