San Bruno B.A.R.T.

  Peet's Coffee & Tea will be opening a new cafe in the Downtown Berkeley BART station as part of a wider program to provide Peet's in eight of the public transit stations.

  In partnership with Metropolitan Coffee & Concessions, Peet's is planning to open the eight locations-either kiosks or cafes-by the end of the year, the companies announced Monday.

  "I'm sure it will make it more convenient for people and their daily commute," said Scott Elder, a BART rider and Berkeley resident.

  At roughly 700 square feet, the Berkeley location would be smaller than regular coffee stores, said Mark Lukin, the president and chief operating officer for Metropolitan Coffee & Concessions.

  Lukin said he expects the Berkeley store to be popular because of the high traffic at the downtown stop.

  The coffee spots will have the exact same beverage menu that regular Peet's stores offer. However, new food products and baked goods will be introduced.

  Further planning and work for the Downtown Berkeley location will occur sometime in June, according to Lukin.

  "We feel like it's going to make the experience for the commuter much more enjoyable, because they would be given a convenience," Lukin said.

  At Tully's Coffee, which is located right next to the main Downtown Berkeley station, employees said they expect to lose some business from BART customers.

  "It will affect us, sales will go down," said Mikekella Wilson, a Tully's Coffee employee.

  Henna Tossavainen, a Berkeley resident, Tully's Coffee customer and BART rider, said she may switch to the Peet's location because of convenience.

  "If I'm using BART and Peet's coffee is at BART, it's my first option," she said.

  However, Wilson said she was confident in Tully's Coffee's advantages, which include free internet, a loyal customer base, and the length of time the coffee shop has been at the location.

  "It will affect BART people, but not people that walk blocks to come here (and) people who work here in this building," Wilson said.

  Some people said they were looking forward to another Peet's in Berkeley.

  "I love both," said Cindy Hilke a Tully's customer and Fremont resident. "Peet's will get me for ice coffee, and Tully's will get me for the hot coffee."