It was windy and chilly on Thursday for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the first stand-alone Tully’s Coffee drive-thru, but about 20 people braved the weather for the occasion.

Scott Pearson, a Mercer Island resident and the CEO of Tully’s, said many of his customers have said they’d love a drive-thru on the Island because they either didn’t want to get out of their car, due to inclement weather, or take their kids out of the car. So when R&R Espresso closed, Pearson decided to give it a shot since he felt it is a great location. The drive-thru is in the corner of the Rite Aid parking lot at 32nd Street and 78th Avenue S.E.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Pearson said, of the crowds and parking issues at the main store at 7810 S.E. 27th Street.

He said people love lingering at the 27th Street store because it’s comfortable and it makes them feel at home. Tully’s has 70 company-owned stores and 110 franchised and licensed stores in Washington and California. Pearson said this stand-alone drive-thru is a test.

“We wanted to do something different to give back to the Island,” he said.

John Naumann, with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, said, “On behalf of the Seattle Chamber, we’re very excited, we love Tully’s and wish them continued success,” as Pearson cut a big blue ribbon.

“We’re giving our customers a requested drive-thru,” Pearson said.