Administration at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has kept job creation a top priority with the opening of a new coffee shop on PMC’s main campus.

Starbucks opened its newest location at PMC, in the second floor atrium. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the popular coffee shop on Friday, March 15. More than 100 community members and hospital employees were in attendance.

The very first customer to enjoy a fresh cup of morning coffee was PMC CEO Donovan Blackburn. He says this endeavor represents growth and sends a message to the marketing community.

“Starbucks is part of the $52 million in capital investments and it’s all about creating jobs at a time they are desperately needed in our area,” stated Blackburn. “Having Starbucks as a partner speaks volumes as to who we are and what a national brand saw in our facility. So kudos to all those who made this happen.”

Blackburn’s goal is to provide the best experience possible for the patients and visitors of PMC.

He pointed out that is why the Corner Market and Starbucks are located in the atrium together. Now the atrium has a warm, inviting feel where visitors can relax and even stay updated on their loved ones surgery status using the newly installed tracking boards.

James Maples from Starbucks Corporate came in two weeks ago to do intense training with the staff to make sure that each customer gets the Starbucks experience.

“It has been an honor to work with a corporation like Starbucks,” said Director of Retail Services, Rhoda Anderson. “Their mission is to nurture and inspire the human spirit; one person, one cup, one neighborhood at a time, so obviously that fits with Pikeville Medical Center.”

The entire project took a year, from conception to completion.

“It’s been an amazing project,” said Vice President of Support Services, Cory Weatherford. “It’s honestly been a lot of fun and one of the more rewarding things I’ve been involved in. That’s mainly thanks to the staff and thanks to Rhoda.”

Weatherford explained that long before administration knew where they were going to put the new Starbucks, they knew exactly who was going to run it.

“Anyone who has ever worked with Rhoda knows this position is tailored-made for her personality and skill set,” explained Weatherford.

The PMC Starbucks has custom features not found in any other of their shops across the country.

The wooden mosaic wall is a one-of-a kind art piece crafted by a Kentucky artist from Bowling Green. The Starbucks at PMC is the only store that has one. This Starbucks is also the first to utilize the custom tile inside the coffee shop and throughout the atrium. This tile will roll out to other locations later in the year.

Starbucks offers a wide assortment of blended hot and cold coffees as well as breakfast sandwiches and pastries. The new location will be open daily from 6am to 9pm.

“This is an exciting day, not only for PMC but for the region, and for the employees. It is something we’ve been working on for well over a year now and to see it come to fruition is absolutely amazing,” Blackburn said. “The store itself is gorgeous. It is a great representation of both the hospital and the community.”

For more information about Pikeville Medical Center call 606-430-3500 or browse this site.