Dixon Starbucks could be open within a year

DIXON – A Starbucks could open within the next year in Dixon.

Andrew Goodman of Northbrook-based GMX Real Estate Group petitioned the city for a special-use permit to build a Starbucks with a drive-thru. The Plan Commission gave a favorable recommendation for the permit, and the City Council made the final vote of approval Monday.

“I can tell there’s a lot of pride in this community, and that speaks volumes,” Goodman said. “We like to work in good communities that take pride in themselves, and we like to be part of those communities as well.”

The Starbucks could be open this time next year or sooner, he said.

“We look forward to being part of your community,” he said.

It would be located next to Arby’s, 1650 S. Galena Ave.

In 2019, Arby’s former owner Heartland Beef Inc. asked the city to subdivide the property to make way for a coffee shop next door, and the City Council approved the request.

GMX also built a Starbucks in Ottawa, as well as fast-food restaurants and other developments in several cities.

In June, the council approved a permit for Dunkin’ franchise owner Asif Rajabali, of Niles, to build a Dunkin’ at 420 N. Galena Ave. after the project was delayed a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. He also built the Dunkin’ in Freeport.

The project remains in a preliminary stage.

The city has been trying to attract a national coffee chain to the area for years – its neighbors in Sterling opened a Starbucks in late 2017 and a Dunkin’ came to Rock Falls about the same time.