A&P Brews Deal with Starbucks

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc has signed a licensing agreement to operate Starbucks stores in select A&P locations in the Northeast.

Under the deal, Starbucks open in A&P Fresh and Gourmet/Fine Foods stores under the A&P banner. Stores are planned in New Jersey in November. Each store will include a full beverage menu, including espresso drinks, brewed coffees, Frappuccino blended items and Tazo tea. Cookies, pastries and other baked goods will also be sold.

The outlets will sell mugs, CDs and other gift items and offer Wi-Fi.

A&P joins the ranks of other supermarkets bringing coffee chains to their stores.

Stop & Shop, which already operates rival Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in its stores, signed a deal last year to open Starbucks locations in 35 to 45 company stores (Promo Xtra, Feb. 23, 2006).

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