THE world's largest coffeehouse chain have commented on rumoured plans to come to Irvine.
Speculation had grown that Starbucks would be coming to the town after adverts were posted online on July 8 for jobs within a local franchise.
Notices for two roles were posted online and viewable for a number of days.
The roles promoted were for a barista and shift supervisor, with the area for the role described as Irvine, KA12 8AG - with a store number of 85425 also provided.
Further details on the adverts found on various job websites further detail the location as the town's Riverway retail park.
Fans of the popular company were quick to piece together further information available on this location.
At the beginning of last month, we reported that plans had been approved to bring the former Tony Macaroni restaurant - in the Riverway retail park - back into use.
The application sought to change the use of part of this building, which would be subdivided, into a coffee shop.
READ MORE: Plans for former Tony Macaroni restaurant approved
All signs appeared to be pointing towards Starbucks opening a franchise at this location, which would have seen a stiff rivalry begin with the Costa Coffee franchise located just metres away.
However, after we contacted Starbucks with regards to any plans, they say they have no news to share with regards to Irvine.
Further to this, the job listings previously available have now been removed.
A Starbucks spokesperson said: "We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no news to share about plans for Irvine, Ayrshire."
The company have made attempts to move into Irvine previously.
Back in June 2020, an application to create a drive-thru outlet on a vacant brownfield site at the Girdle Toll BP petrol station was resubmitted for a third time - after being knocked back by North Ayrshire Council planning chiefs twice previously.
However plans were again refused due to the site not being close enough to the town centre and concerns it would encourage traffic.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here