Diedrich sale to Starbucks approved

Cafes could be converted as early as January.

By NANCY LUNA
The Orange County Register

NEWPORT BEACH The $13 million sale of up to 40 Diedrich Coffee cafes was ratified Tuesday morning by shareholders of the Irvine roaster, paving the way for Starbucks to convert or close most Diedrich stores in Orange County as early as next month.

"I think it's the smartest move they can make," said Dick Marowitz, a 10-year shareholder who estimates his stock has dropped 50 percent over the last decade.

More...