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Wind Creek Hospitality announced Monday a groundbreaking for a Starbucks off of Interstate 65 near the casino slated for later this month.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2020 with plans for a fall grand opening, according to a release.

The Atmore location is projected to draw an additional 300 cars and 750 customers daily from I-65 Exit 57.

“I see this as a great opportunity to introduce travelers to Wind Creek, the Poarch Creek Indians and the town of Atmore,” WCA Property Manager Tim Ramer said. “Starbucks will provide a well-respected, international brand to residents of Escambia and surrounding counties.”

The 2,000 square foot stand-alone facility will offer convenient drive through, seated dining and full retail store across the street from the Creek Convenience Store on Poarch Road, adjacent to the spa at Wind Creek.

The nearest Starbucks along the I-65 corridor are north 113 miles in Prattville and south 47 miles at Springhill Avenue in Mobile.

Starbucks was founded in Seattle, Wa., in 1971, and now reportedly operates over 30,000 locations worldwide.
The coffee chain’s menu offers a variety of popular hot and cold drinks made with Starbucks brand roasted coffees and espressos, Teavana® teas, fresh juices, and bakery items such as pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches.

The project is expected to create 20 or more permanent jobs for local residents in addition to temporary construction jobs.

Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Wind Creek Hospitality manages the Tribe’s gaming facilities including: Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Wetumpka, Wind Creek Montgomery, Wind Creek Bethlehem, Wa She Shu Casino in Nevada, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino, WindCreekCasino.com, as well as racetracks in Alabama and Florida.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises which employ thousands.