By BOB SMITH

Kitsap News Group

PORT ORCHARD — Managers from Starbucks stores in Kitsap County and the Olympic Peninsula region whipped up a winning brew for Port Orchard residents who visit downtown’s Bay Street.

After their meeting April 12 at the Dragonfly Cinema, the management team led by regional manager Diana Dorsey of Port Orchard changed into their work clothes to add a touch of TLC at a couple of downtown locations.

About two dozen managers went to work prepping the empty lot between the Port Orchard Public Market and the old Myhre’s building for a primetime makeover.

The community volunteer crew spread 15 yards of gravel, provided by Ken Morrison of Morrison Sand and Gravel, over the lot to transform the pedestrian eyesore into something more visually pleasing for Bay Street shoppers.

Steve Sego and Coreen Haydock, co-owners of The Dock Restaurant in the Port Orchard Public Market, provided the volunteers with some tools — wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes and gloves — as did the Port Orchard Bay Street Association, City Hall and Mayor Rob Putaansuu.

Sego said the Starbucks crew made quick work turning the lot into an attractive, inviting space.

“The Starbucks crew arrived at 3, and by 4:30 they had the job done,” he said. “It looks beautiful.”

Sego said more amenities will be added to the spruced-up space, including overhead lighting, tables and benches.

“Thanks to this work, the site is now safe, clean and usable.

“Food trucks and vendors with market stalls also can use the site once we add some additional water and power to make it fully functional,” he said.

Before heading over to transform the empty lot, the Starbucks managers kicked off their community activities by tidying up the Dragonfly Cinema in preparation for its hosting duties for the Port Orchard Film Festival on May 5-7.