Hello, Starbucks? I’m a Grown-Up.
I like coffee. No, I love it. One of the greatest pleasures of my Not-So-Big life is hot, black good coffee. The first cup in the morning - well - it makes life worth living. (I’m not sure I’d have a personality without caffeine, but that’s another post.)
So, I was thrilled when Starbucks shops first started popping up all over - at LaGuardia…on seemingly every corner in Manhattan…even on the Jersey Turnpike. But, over the last few years, they’ve lost their charm. Too many choices, too much music, too many frou-frou goofy drinks (although I love a Frappucino). I now avoid going there (and there are much better locally-owned places anyway.) When I do find myself at the counter (a client or colleague wants to meet there) - it’s a struggle to convince them to just give me a plain cup of black coffee. To each their own - but to me, Pumpkin Spice belongs in a pie not in my coffee.
And, I’m not the only cranky curmudgeon. Here’s John Whiteside on Slowbucks and and Doc Searls with a post on the Soul of Starbucks Hint: They’re losing it. (Doc also makes an excellent point re Verizon and their lack of soul.)
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February 28th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
I agree. I used to spend $4 on a Starbucks beverage (java chip frappucino over here, please!) because the guilty pleasure was augmented by the snobbish high the place gave off.
But now they’ve opened one in my local Target store. And while I love Target and choose it over Wal-Mart every time, I can’t stand that every yokel in town can schlep over for an iced coffee.
Now, I’ve always expected a line at Starbucks (no one really thinks the 15-year old behind the expresso machine can count past two, do they?) but it gets rediculous when every soccer mom (don’t forget her three annoying children) and wizened senior citizen is clogging the line, trying to figure out what “venti” actually means.
Add to all the frustration the fact that “Becky” is wearing a Target nametag, and the whole “cool Seattle coffeehouse” vibe gets crushed under the steamroll of the mass market.
At least Dunkin Donuts sells really good (translation: fattening) donuts.
February 28th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
I’d just like your readers to remember to read over their comments before they hit “Say It!”
and for the record, I can spell “ridiculous.” Just not in successive posts, apparently.
March 8th, 2007 at 12:57 am
“Intimacy Over Coffee”…
I’m a Starbucks evangelist, however, I’ll even admit that I’m not a true loyal fan. In fact, Starbucks seems to be losing their appeal. Maybe it’s because I’m starting to feel like just another face in the line…