Dairy Drive-Thru Transforming into New Starbucks

The local joint will live on through the chain.

Katie Porter
By Katie Porter Add a Comment
Photo: Starbucks

Tustin’s iconic Alta Dena drive-through has bid farewell to the city as a brand-new Starbucks is set to take its place. The 1062 Irvine Blvd property is under construction, according to the City of Tustin’s website. 

The vintage 750-square-foot drive-through that once catered to dairy customers will now be the latest caffeine hub in town. Inspired by midcentury Googie architecture, its been a noticeable staple in the city for over 70 years. 

This location, nestled between DK’s Donuts and Walgreens, will offer Starbucks high visibility from the busy streets. It will be a drive-through-only location, with no interior for patrons. Modifications are being made to the lot to accommodate the vehicle traffic.

Starbucks has worked hard to protect the landmark’s original architectural elements, keeping the barn sign and the winged roof, and adding fresh paint. Plans were approved in late 2021.

Be the First to Know

From new restaurant openings to exciting retail launches and real estate insights, be the first to know what’s happening in Orange County

Share This Article
Follow:
Katie Porter is a freelance journalist and copywriter located in the Mile High City of Denver, covering the Colorado and SoCal restaurant scenes. She has always been a news junkie, keen to stay informed about what's going on in her community and the world, constantly on the lookout for interesting nuggets. Her articles have appeared in a variety of other publications, including 1851 Franchise, Estatenvy, Boulder Weekly, ThisSongisSick, el Don News, TheThings, Stache Cow, and more.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *