Costa

As well as M&S and BP, the proposed development will also introduce two new operators to Thirsk in the form of Costa and McDonald’s.

Neither McDonald’s nor Costa are currently represented within the town, and the new drive-thru coffee shop would offer new facilities and a wellknown brand for local residents, as well as people passing by.

About Costa

Costa Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coca Cola and is the UK’s favourite coffee shop brand. Costa currently has over 2,000 stores in the UK, covering a wide range of formats. Their drive-thru format is a key growth channel, with over 130 stores now operational.

Environment

Costa stores are powered by 100% green energy. Costa are continually working towards recycling all of the takeaway cups used. Costa offer a range of reusable cups and offer a discount when such cups are used. Costa accept takeaway cups from other retailers for recycling and have committed to recycling all the cups used by 2020.

Costa was the first UK coffee shop to commit to sourcing 100% of their coffee from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

As signatories of the Litter Prevention Commitment, Costa also collaborate closely with ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ to encourage their teams and customers to play a part in clearing up litter.

Community

Each Costa store aims to be part of their community whether it be raising funds for local charities or volunteering time and resource for youth groups.

In addition Costa operate the Costa Foundation providing community support in 10 countries where Costa’s coffee beans are sourced. Each store fundraises to develop schools in these communities providing 550 classrooms in 72 communities.

Each drive-thru Costa store equates to a capital investment of £1.5m, and around 20 temporary construction jobs are generated during the construction process. Once operational, the store will employ 18 new members of staff (11 full-time equivalent).

An assessment has been carried out by the project team looking for alternative sites within Thirsk Town Centre, but no opportunities were identified which meet the business model requirements of the various operators.