Starbucks Comes to Tourist Mecca Old Fulton Street in Dumbo

Starbucks opened today at 11 Old Fulton Street in Dumbo, bringing another national chain to one of Brooklyn’s most historic and touristy areas. For decades the street was dominated by homegrown Brooklyn institutions such as Grimaldi’s pizzeria.

Thursday afternoon, the shop was closed to the public for employee training, but baristas handed out snacks to passersby. There’s an existing Starbucks nearby at 67 Water Street.

Starbucks joins recent arrivals Luke’s Lobster and Shake Shack, as well as stalwarts such as Bargemusic, River Cafe and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. In 2012, the block was home to drama between rival but related pizzerias, Juliana’s and Grimaldi’s.

The shop at 11 Old Fulton Street is part of a row of Greek Revival commercial buildings built from 1836 to 1839. One of the earliest rows of Greek Revival commercial buildings in the city, it is located in the Fulton Ferry Historic District. Renovations were under way at Nos. 13 and 15 when Brownstoner stopped by.

The area is one of the most historic in Brooklyn. The ferry between Manhattan and Brooklyn began service at the Fulton Ferry Landing in 1642.

Old Fulton Street is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months, for its views of the Manhattan skyline, East River and Brooklyn Bridge.

Starbucks outlets were far and few between in Brooklyn until recently. The latest brings the total to 21, most concentrated in North and Northwest Brooklyn.

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