Rumours of a potential Blank Street opening in St Andrews have been circulating around town recently. In August, Blank Street reportedly requested planning permission to open a store on Market Street, where Subway currently stands. The company has also advertised for a general manager for the proposed store, making the rumours feel a little more real.
Blank Street’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, quickly becoming one of the most recognisable coffee chains on the high street. The brand originated in New York with its first shop, a coffee cart, opening in the garden of Wythe Diner in August 2020. Blank Street has continued to expand its business and has since opened over 100 shops across the UK and US. Despite Blank Street seeming not much different from any other coffee shop, something about it has people raving.
The Blank Street takeover
Blank Street’s Scottish takeover is already well underway. Its first Scottish store opened on Edinburgh’s Victoria Street in January 2025, followed by a second Edinburgh location and two Glasgow stores.
But what exactly makes Blank Street so popular?
In the past few years, it has become a trend to have a morning coffee or matcha in order to survive. Whether it’s part of your morning routine, your study session, or simply an excuse to catch up with a friend, coffee shops have become a huge part of student life. Once a much less common menu item, matcha now seems to be everywhere. As someone who doesn’t drink tea or coffee, I have to admit that I do love a good matcha. I know some people claim matcha tastes like grass, but I strongly disagree.
Blank Street sells a wide variety of drinks, but its matcha menu is undoubtedly one of its biggest attractions. There is something for everyone, from classics such as the White Chocolate Matcha (my personal favourite) to limited-edition drinks like the Cinnamon Bun Matcha.
Another major part of Blank Street’s appeal is its aesthetic. The branding is simple and recognisable. The cofounders Vinay Menda and Issam Freiha believe the company’s success comes down to three things: quality, convenience and price. And perhaps this is what makes the brand so appealing to students.
What could a Blank Street mean for local businesses in St Andrews?
Many St Andrews residents, myself included, are becoming increasingly aware of the growing number of coffee shops in town. It feels like every time an old shop closes, it’s replaced by a chain. Somehow this small town has every coffee shop chain you could think of. Subway is one of the establishments in St Andrews that has managed to stick around for several years, as it has certainly lasted since the beginning of my studies in 2023. It might not be the most popular or most aesthetic chain in St Andrews, but it’s reliable. With its central location and relatively affordable food, it’s quick and convenient for locals.
With so many vacant buildings in St Andrews, why does Blank Street feel the need to replace an existing business?
Although Subway is itself a chain, there is still a wider concern about what the arrival of another major brand could mean for local businesses. St Andrews is already an expensive place to run a shop, with high rents making it difficult for independent shops and cafes to survive. Another popular chain competing for the same customers could potentially make things even harder.There is also a growing sense that some businesses in St Andrews are becoming increasingly targeted at tourists rather than at locals and students. The town has no shortage of Scottish gift shops and expensive restaurants, but I mean, how many does one small town really need?
St Andrews has always had a specific image, and tourism is obviously a huge part of the local economy. However, there is a balance between catering for tourists and making a town feel like home to those who live here.
So, are we ready for a Blank Street?
The potential arrival of Blank Street in St Andrews is undeniably exciting. For students who already love the chain, having one right in the centre of town is something to look forward to. Admittedly, I will probably be one of the people joining the queue for a matcha when it opens.However, it’s also worth thinking about what impact another major chain will have on the town.
St Andrews is home to countless independent cafes, restaurants and shops, many of which rely on students and locals to survive. While there is nothing wrong with getting your favourite White Chocolate Matcha now and then, perhaps the Blank Street rumours are also a reminder to support local businesses.