Hyde Park to get its first Starbucks in May

The Boston Licensing Board today approved a Starbucks in the Shops at Riverwood strip mall at 850 River St., near the Mattapan line.

The company says it hopes to open on May 12.

The coffee shop proved far less controversial than the last eatery to open there - a Burger King. However, Starbucks did agree, at least initially, to a request from neighbors that it open only between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., rather than the 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours it had initially proposed. At a hearing yesterday, Daniel Brennan, who handles licensing for Starbucks, however, said the company could come back with longer hours should demand warrant them.

Lokita Jackson, of the Rosebery Ruskindale Road Neighborhood Association said the group is "in full support" of the new Starbucks and excited to see it open. Helena Tonge of the Belnel Family Neighborhood Association agreed, although she asked that if Starbucks does want to try for later hours, it talk to the neighborhood groups first.

The new shop will have 47 indoor seats and a seasonal patio with 44 seats.