Downtown State College might seem a little more metropolitan these days. Along with the spicy urban styles sold at the women's apparel store, Metro, 320 E. College Ave., another taste of the big city, Starbucks coffee, is now being sold.

The idea to put a coffee shop inside a clothing and accessories store came from Metro store-owner Art Fine.

"My philosophy in business is to give consumers what they don't expect," he said. "It's a surprise to walk into Metro and see a Starbucks."

And so far, the taste of the city seems to be successful at luring customers in, including city slickers such as Los Angeles-native Pat Wilson, who is the drummer for the band Weezer and visiting Happy Valley for their concert last night. Wilson said he was attracted to the Starbucks name.

"If I lived here, I'd be here everyday," he said. "It's the only place to get a soy latte."

Patrons should recognize the taste of Café Metro's Starbucks products, Fine said.

"Coffee or espresso tastes exactly like any other Starbucks in the country," Fine said. "Consistency is very important. We could lose the dealership if we aren't consistent."

To keep the consistency of the beverages, Fine said representative from Starbucks came and did an extensive two-day training program for the new employees. But before that could even happen, he had to overcome several refusals from the Starbucks company.

"Initially Starbucks wouldn't entertain the thought. So I let it rest for awhile and then the third try in contacting them was the charm," he said. "I actually spoke with a girl whose father didn't go to Penn State but loved Penn State football." And the deal went through. Now, six months after the deal was first opened, Café Metro is serving the renowned name, with business doubling everyday, Fine said.

"We opened on Thursday, and Friday was a much better day, and then Saturday was phenomenal," he said.

Free samples have been given out for publicity, but he expects the well-known name and the location will be enough to continue to bring in customers.

"In that end of town there is no place to get a great cup of coffee," he said. People who favor Starbucks quality, or are unhappy with their regular coffee suppliers, will be the main consumers, making a stop at the shop part of their daily routine, he added.

The location within the Metro store is beneficial to customers said Deborah Detrieck, store manager.

"After shopping they can just grab

a cup of coffee and go," she said.

"It's a nice blend of fashion and beverage."

Shoppers can also grab a quick breakfast with their drink. A variety of muffins, cookies and biscotti are available.

"People are really liking the muffins; the cinnamon chip muffins are especially popular," Dietrick said. Among college students the espresso and "whip cream" drinks are a big hit, she added.

Smoothies also will be available when the weather warms. In addition, following spring break and during the summer, hours will be extended. In summer, an outside seating area will be added.