Local Joes are just a fresh-brewed venti double-mocha latte frappucino away from Java Heaven. Starbucks Coffee Company has sealed the deal as anchor tenant of a 6,545 square foot retail building planned at Main Street and Carol Lane in Oakley.

The Oakley Planning Commission recently approved the gourmet coffee conglomerate's conditional use permit for the cafe, which will include a drive-through lane. Starbucks officials could not provide an exact opening date.

"We plan to open the new store sometime in later 2007," said Amanda Dierdorff, marketing specialist for Starbucks. "We are delighted to be joining the Oakley community and look forward to being a strong civic and business supporter."

"We think the project is a win-win for everyone," said Oakley Redevelopment Director Barbara Mason. "Gosh, everyone is always asking me about Starbucks. I think they're just waiting for it to pop up. It's very exciting."

Starbucks may give Caffino, which plans to move approximately 30 feet to a larger facility in the near future, a run for the local specialty coffee dollar. And other blends may be brewing as well. Mason said Panama Bay has also expressed an interest in coming to Oakley.

"There's always room for one more coffee place in Oakley," said Mason. "We've had lots of retailers pokin' around. There's lots of interest."