A new Starbucks on Moncton’s Main Street is ruffling a few feathers with its English-only signage and menu.

Some people say it’s not a big deal but a support group for Francophone immigrants says it could be a bad business move for the popular coffee shop.

“If they want to serve people just in English, I don’t think that a lot of Francophones will go there actually,” says Khaled Azaouzi of Francophone Immigrant Services.

New Brunswick Green Party Leader David Coon says he would favour legislation that requires large multinational corporations to respect the diversity of communities within an officially bilingual province.

“I thought it was ridiculous. I can’t imagine how a major multinational like Starbucks would not respect the bilingual nature of New Brunswick and not post their menus in both languages,” says Coon.

Unlike its neighbouring community of Dieppe, Moncton does not have a bylaw requiring businesses to have signage in both official languages. Moncton prefers to educate and encourage businesses to use bilingual signage.

“What we have is an action plan approved by council to encourage, promote, facilitate the use of commercial bilingual signage by our local businesses,” says city spokesperson Nicole Melanson.

The city estimates 22 per cent of downtown businesses have bilingual signage, with a goal of increasing that number to 30 per cent in five years.

Reactions to the English-only signage and menus at Starbucks were mixed on the streets of Moncton.

“It doesn’t really make a difference to me,” says Donna Dempsey. “I am English only, but I find most people here can speak both languages.”

“I come from a bilingual family,” says Paul Bilodeau. “My dad’s first language is French and he definitely would be upset to go to a place that doesn’t cater to bilingual, especially in Moncton and Dieppe.”

“Well, they should serve both languages, but since I am bilingual, it doesn’t affect me personally,” says Linda MacArthur.

Late Wednesday, the Seattle-based coffee company contacted CTV News to say the English-only menu boards were an oversight. A spokesperson says bilingual menus are on the way and should arrive soon.

With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell