The new Starbucks Coffee at 3530 10th St. will be open for business starting Monday, Aug. 7. The store and drive-through are open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“People need their coffee to get to work,” said Regional Manager Marcus Jackson, commenting on the much-anticipated opening.

Friday, Aug. 4, was “friends and family day,” with Starbucks partners serving guests at a soft opening event. Store Manager Jodi Burdg said six barista trainers came in from other stores to help.

“We want to create a friendly, welcoming environment for everybody,” Burdg said. That includes the partners (employees) as well as customers. “It’s a really great thing that we’re able to bring this to Great Bend. A lot of people are driving through, ready for us to be open.”

The store is located on the north side of 10th Street, across from Walmart.