( CNN ) -- Chris Robinson 's family is used to being a bit ahead of the curve . After selling caskets at a general store in Easley , South Carolina , an ancestor opened a funeral location in a separate building . Most other parlors in town operated in homes converted for the purpose . `` People thought he had overbuilt at the time , '' said Robinson , general manager and vice president of Robinson Funeral Home . `` He was very forward thinking because we utilized that building for years . '' Robinson Funeral Home is undergoing its fourth addition and will feature a first for Easley -- Starbucks coffee . A new lobby will lead to an area where baristas hired by Robinson will discreetly serve Frappuccinos to mourners and the public alike . Robinson told CNN Wednesday the family , which operates two other funeral homes in the area , is getting positive feedback from the community . `` When people have visitations , people come out and support families , '' he said . `` This is another way to do that . '' Coffee has long been part of the family business . The general store , now selling clothing , featured a potbelly stove where townspeople would drink coffee and `` solve the world 's problems , '' Robinson said . The Coffee Corner , he said , will be a respectful distance from the chapel . `` If this provides them a little escape and gives them a break from the stress they are going through , that 's what it 's all about , to make them feel better , '' Robinson told CNN Greenville-Spartanburg affiliate WSPA . Starbucks is providing training and equipment for the endeavor , which Robinson expects to open in August . There will be no Starbucks signage outside the funeral home , he said . The company recognizes demand in the neighborhood and is supportive because the brand will be presented in an appropriate manner , Starbucks spokesperson Alisa Martinez said . The public will be able to access the coffee area from a patio . Inside they will find tables , a fireplace , television , cash register and Wi-fi . The funeral home will continue offering its own coffee for those not interested in the Starbucks brand . Besides meeting the needs of people who have lost loved ones , the coffee shop can serve another purpose , according to Robinson . `` It will help people who are intimidated at stepping foot in a funeral home . They may not feel out of sorts , '' he said . Undercover funeral home sting turns up 'significant violations ' Read more about this story CNN affiliate WSPA .
Funeral Home in Easley , North Carolina , plans coffee service . It will serve free coffee to mourners , the public . Service is a way to help families , funeral home executive says .