As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Boerne's city hall, the Planning and Zoning Commission gathered to discuss a topic that has become a focal point for the community: the new Starbucks drive-thru. The meeting, held on June 2, 2025, was marked by a spirited debate over traffic concerns and the potential impact on local residents.

Commissioners expressed their apprehensions about the traffic patterns that the new Starbucks might generate, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the existing location on Upper Bow Counties Road. The discussion highlighted a traffic study presented by city engineer Ben Flint, which suggested that most customers would be passing by rather than creating new trips. This assertion sparked questions about the methodology behind the study and whether it accurately reflected the anticipated traffic flow.

One commissioner pointed out the stark differences between the proposed Starbucks and the existing one, emphasizing that the new site would feature a more efficient design with 36 parking spaces and multiple access points. This setup aims to alleviate congestion, especially during peak hours when coffee cravings surge. The traffic study indicated that while the Starbucks could see up to 1,200 trips a day, a significant portion of these would be from customers already en route to other destinations.

However, concerns lingered about whether the proposed drive-thru could handle the expected volume, particularly during busy morning hours. The commission debated the adequacy of the drive-thru's capacity to accommodate 11 vehicles, with some suggesting that this number might not suffice given the high traffic projections. Comparisons were made to other municipalities that have opted for larger stacking capacities to mitigate potential bottlenecks.

Amidst the technical discussions, a shift in consumer behavior was also noted. The rise of mobile ordering has changed how customers interact with Starbucks, with many opting to pick up their orders inside rather than waiting in line. This trend could potentially ease some of the anticipated traffic issues, as younger customers increasingly prefer the convenience of app-based orders.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners acknowledged the need for further studies to ensure that the drive-thru would function effectively without disrupting the surrounding community. They discussed the possibility of revisiting the traffic study parameters to better reflect weekday patterns, as the initial data was based on Saturday traffic.

In closing, the commission emphasized their commitment to creating a space that serves both the business and the community. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between fostering local commerce and maintaining the quality of life for residents. As the meeting adjourned, the future of the Starbucks drive-thru remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the community's voice would play a crucial role in shaping its outcome.