Customers turned away on opening day of Newton Aycliffe Starbucks

The international coffee giant was set to open at 6am on Friday (April 10), with queues forming from as early as 5.30am as customers eagerly waited to receive a free drink and reusable cup.

However, problems with the store’s internal and external menu boards meant staff were forced to close just 40 minutes after opening.

A member of staff described the opening as “an absolute nightmare”.

She said: “We had queues out of the door from this morning, with people getting free food and drinks first thing, but now we’re having to turn people away.

“It’s because the internal and external menu boards aren’t working, so people can’t see what they’re ordering.

“We could just about get by, but because the screens aren’t working it goes against Starbucks’ policies, so sadly we’ve had to close.”

“We’re hoping to have everything set up and running by tomorrow and make a proper fresh start on Monday.

“But we don’t want to give people false hope.”

Despite the delayed opening, many customers took to social media to praise staff for how they handled the situation.

One customer said: “Everyone who was waiting for them to open at 6am got free food, free drinks and a reusable cup. Couldn’t fault them – they were really friendly.”

Another added: “The staff were fab. They made my little girl a free hot chocolate in a free reusable cup.”

The venue later confirmed on social media that it reopened at around 4pm, thanking customers for their support during its “teething problems”.

The post said: “Thank you all for your understanding and patience with us during our teething problems today.

“I am happy to announce that Starbucks Newton Aycliffe is now fully open.

“Zach, Alice, Lee, Roxi and the team are eager to meet you all.”

The chain is set to create 12 jobs as it opens on St Cuthbert’s Way, Aycliffe Business Park.

In January banners went up outside saying the drive-thru would be opening soon, and that it was recruiting.

Durham County Council approved 10 signs to be placed around the building in January.

There was initial concern from planning officers about the brightness of signs that were able to be lit up. But amendments from the company reduced the amount of light that would come from the signage.

Overall plans to build the coffee shop at the former office space were approved in June last year.

The Northern Echo has contacted Starbucks for more information about the delayed opening.