NEW BEDFORD — The lights are turned on, umbrellas are out and other finishing touches are being added to the new Starbucks drive-thru on Coggeshall Street in New Bedford — but no word yet on opening day.

Workers could be seen unloading items and setting up equipment inside the store on a recent afternoon, and the drive-thru seems almost ready to go.

So when will New Bedford residents and commuters be able to get their coffee fix?

Get our free mobile app

Considering the famous store chain was named after a character in Herman Melville's classic Moby-Dick, which is partly set in the city, some say a New Bedford location is long overdue.

Plans for the newly built store were first brought before the city in August 2021, and it was originally projected to open in 2022.

The store is still hiring baristas and shift managers, with positions advertised since November — but the job postings don't mention a start date.

Starbucks has yet to respond to multiple requests for comment.

The new location is behind the Petro Mart gas station, between Coggeshall Street and Market Basket.

SouthCoast Coffee Shops Are Serving Up Seasonal Flavors

When the holidays hit, so do all the delicious seasonal coffee flavors. Whether you are into peppermint mocha, gingerbread coffees or eggnog lattes, there are plenty of local brews to sample this holiday season.

Hilarious New Bedford Slideshow Has Travel Site Catfishing Tourists

A travel website called UniverseTravel.org has created an online 'story' enticing potential tourists to visit beautiful New Bedford, Massachusetts. The only problem? It features photos that hilariously have nothing to do with the Whaling City. This is what happens when you let AI do your job for you.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420