Excitement is building after a coffee giant announced it will be opening a new drive-thru store in the North East this Friday (November 25).

Coffee and seasonal treat lovers alike will be able to try the new Starbucks drive-thru and sit-down restaurant on Salterfen Road in Sunderland, as it welcomes new customers for the first time.

Meanwhile, eager attendees might be able to get their hands on a free prize after the retailer announced it will be handing out reusable cups to its first 100 customers.

The new store, which is operated by 23.5 Degrees, will be opened at 10am alongside charity North East Homeless during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Read more: Primark to open new store at Teesside Park

The Northern Echo: The site at Salterfen Retail ParkThe site at Salterfen Retail Park (Image: Google)

Gemma Barrett, New Store Openings Manager at 23.5 Degrees, said: “We are excited to open our new store in Sunderland and look forward to welcoming the local community.

"To celebrate, we will host a ribbon cutting attended by the store’s chosen charity North-East Homeless charity at 10am and we will offer reusable cups to the first 100 customers on the opening day.”  

"The store has a contemporary design and offers customers the opportunity to enjoy a handcrafted cup of coffee and relax with the comfortable seating and free wi-fi.

"Those looking to recharge while on the go can use the convenient Drive Thru lane."

For the lucky few who manage to get a reusable cup, Starbucks offers a 25p discount to all customers who bring one when purchasing a drink. 

Read more: Boyes to open new store at Manor Walks, Cramlington

The store, which has created 16 new jobs, will be open 6am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday.

In time for Christmas, Starbucks' Holiday menu will be on offer to new customers.

New treats include the new toffee nut cream cold brew, praline cookie hot chocolate, pigs under blanket roll, and toffee nut muffin

For those looking for convenience, orders from the new branch will be available from Uber Eats and Deliveroo, or the Starbucks UK App. 

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