Starbucks is moving into a long-empty storefront on Chapel Hill's Franklin Street

The Starbucks on East Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill will relocate to a bigger, more prominent location across the street, on the ground floor of the Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery building.

Why it matters: The intersection of Franklin and Columbia is one of the most high-profile spots in the college town. But it's a stretch with high rent that's seen its share of retail turnover over the years.

• The new Starbucks space's former tenant at 100 E Franklin St. — Midici Italian Kitchen — closed in summer 2019. The place has been vacant since.

Between the lines: The current downtown Chapel Hill Starbucks is at 103 E. Franklin, next to Raising Cane's.

• Details about the move were not immediately clear.
• A Starbucks representative did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

What they're saying: "We're very excited to fill that anchor space, but no word on yet on will the doors will open," Stephanie Cobert, director of marketing and engagement for Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, told Axios.

• "By moving from its current location, Starbucks will have more room to serve customers," she added.