Starbucks poll (cause of 60 minutes story this afternoon)

[karlrschneider]

Poll question: Starbucks poll (cause of 60 minutes story this afternoon)

Liberals get flack from neocons for being 'effete', 'elitist' and so forth, you know the labels. I have no axe to grind either way...I have never in my life been into a Starbucks coffee store (but my S.O.'s sister who lives in Seattle has sent us some of their coffee and we think it's good stuff)
but I'm wondering how many DUers are 'regulars', or whatever...so here we go:

[MSgt213]

1. How about adding a friend of mine bought for me, because I think

a lot of people get exposed that way.

[bunkerbuster1]

2. I won a $5 gift certificate

I managed to buy their smallest/cheapest coffee and a muffin without having to dip into my own cash.

What a rip off. I can't imagine what people see in the silly place.

[dogday]

119. Was given a $50.00 certificate for Christmas

Good pastry....but not worth the price.....

[Longhorn]

3. I rarely drink coffee.

The few times I've been to Starbucks have been mainly at the airport. However, I have nothing against the company.

[liberal N proud]

4. Other - I don't drink Coffee

Saw the story, I thought is was an attempt to vilify Starbucks for offering benefits at the cost of the customer.
Damn LIBERAL media anyway.

[Nailzberg]

5. They burn the shit out of the coffee, but I like the chai

I'd say a couple times a month.

[turbo_satan]

95. Don't like their brewed coffee? Try an Americano.

I'm a pretty hard-code coffee snob and I'm not at all impressed by their brewed coffee offerings. Frankly, I'm surprised that their marketing research determined that the American consumer likes a roast that's *that* dark. On the other hand, the espresso roast that they use for all their espresso-based drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, etc.) is respectable, and if you like brewed coffee you'll be MUCH happier with an Americano. For the uninitiated, an Americano is how they "simulate" brewed coffee in Italy. They simply add hot water to a few shots of espresso. Starbucks' Americano is much, much smoother than their burnt-tasting brewed coffee and it only costs a little more.

[Orangepeel]

6. Starbucks is a good company

It sells something that is completely unnecessary, but so? There's nothing wrong with a little luxury.

The company pays it's people relatively well and provides benefits to most. And, as the CEO said, it isn't like Walmart or another huge company that put small mom&pop stores out of business. It did create a new product category that actually spawned small retailers.

(BTW, my answer to the poll was a few times a month)

[hlthe2b]

18. they treat their employees well, provide health insurance...

encourage a polite, friendly workplace... and try to be socially conscious , in terms of where/how they buy their coffee. They recently bought out ETHOS bottled water, an initiative to bring water purification to the developing world. Could they do more? Absolutely. But at least they are doing something. And, compared to most of corporate America, they are extremely progressive and socially conscious.


And, yes, I like their lattes. I admit it. And, those who deny the same, well, I certainly see tons of lib/progressives at the "bucks" I frequent. Then, too, I see tons of probable conservatives there too.

[Kukesa]

28. They also give ALL their political $$ to Dems.

Link here:

http://www.buyblue.org/directory/s


I'll support a product with those kind of credentials.

[SammyWinstonJack]

116. !

:thumbsup: I was impressed by the founder of Starbucks. He seems like a decent guy and he treats his employees right, he pays more for the health insurance than for coffee and apparently he treats coffee farmers right also. Sounds like a great guy. :shrug: I don't visit Starbucks, I brew my own coffee at home. I don't have anything bad to say about Starbucks.

[Kukesa]

126. You're speaking of Howard Schultz,

and yes, everything you've said about him is true. He spends more on health insurance for his employees than he does on coffee beans. Ever hear him complain? No, I didn't think so.

[napi21]

7. I have nothing against the Company. I compliment the guy

who was smart enough to make a giant successful business. I'm just way to cheap to spend $3.50 for a cup of coffee!!!!

I'ne never been inside a Starbucks.

[Jigarotta]

118. isn't Starbucks the predator kind of business

along the lines of Wal Mart ...

they spread all over just to shut down the smaller businesses.
sheesh, at least that's what I think Naomi Klein's No Logo had to say about Starbucks. It's been a while tho.

[BlackVelvet04]

8. Other would be.....

there isn't a starbucks close by but I buy starbucks coffee to make at home.

[joeunderdog]

73. me too. every day. but I don't go to the stores often.

[xchrom]

9. it's too corporate for me.

i drink pet's -- which starbucks has a habit of following around whereever they are -- if there's a peets in the hoo -- then a starbucks will open.

and they were slow to ''fair trade'' coffees.

[hlthe2b]

69. In my neighborhood shopping district...

which I frequent largely on foot, there are two starbucks, a Peets, and a Peabody's within two blocks of each other--not to mention the 3rd Starbucks within the Safeway, a few blocks the other way, nor what will probably end up being Dietrick's within the mall next to Safeway (two in-mall locations formerly Peabody's, but they are divesting some of their company "barista" shops to focus on bulk coffee). Having said that, they are all doing well.

So, Starbucks was slow on Fairtrade. They are doing it now. I don't see where that equates to a major source of criticism...:shrug:

[Another Bill C.]

10. I once bought tea at the airport.

It could have been from Starbucks but I don't remember. Otherwise, I've quit drinking my 10 cups of coffee a day in favor of green tea. Coffee upsets my stomach, now.

[Fridays Child]

11. I go through the drive-through and I can't tell you how many times...

...I've been in line behind cars with those god forsaken "W '04" stickers. It makes me want to puke every time. In any case, though, I have the feeling that just as many conservatives buy their coffee there as do Liberals. And that's fine with me because by spending their money at Starbucks, they're supporting Democratic candidates. It's all good. :)

[seaglass]

12. Has someone done a poll of Starbucks customers to ask

them what their political affiliation is?

Would that mean only Republicans go to Dunkin Donuts?

I just don't get this idea at all.

I go to Starbucks consistently every 2 weeks to buy the coffee that I make at home. I would go there for coffee every day if I could afford it.

[Atman]

17. Only Republicans SHOULD drink Carlyle Group coffee.

Yes, Dunkin Donuts is owned by The Carlyle Group. A DD coffee habit helps fund perpetual war.

[seaglass]

105. My 16 yo daughter drinks it - hope it won't turn her into a Repub.

I was raised on DDs and was so thankful when we got our first Starbucks in town (we have one Starbucks and 3 DDs).

[Kukesa]

29. Please see my post #28 to answer your question. nt

[seaglass]

104. I like Starbucks and thanks for your info but it really bugs me

that people assume that Dems are the predominant customers - it's people with money that go to Starbucks.

[Kukesa]

125. Did you really look at my link?,

Starbucks, the company, gives $$$ for political causes and they ONLY give to DEMOCRATS and to the DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

Have another look.

[Atman]

13. Other (and they do not "burn the shit out of the coffee")

That poster must be a Dunkin Donuts drinker, who makes the wateriest, blandest excuse for coffee known to man, then loads it up with so much sugar and cream that it's more like a cup of melted ice cream. Starbucks brews their coffee stronger, and generally has different brews going on different days, and they always have more body than anything at Dunkin "Carlyle Group" Donuts.

That being said, my "Other" vote is because I don't necessarily visit a Starbucks store even once a week, but sometimes three or four times a week...but we buy fresh beans from Starbucks and grind it ourselves every morning.

[glitch]

33. Oh yes they do, and they are quite proud of their harsh roast.

It was the big deal when they and the people who ran Seattle's Best split.
Looks like most people prefer the Starbucks roast, but it's still too harsh for some of us.

[Atman]

35. See, that's the thing...there is no one "Starbucks roast."

Any Starbucks I've ever been in has three roasts brewing at any given time...mild, medium and "bold." And they're generally different from week to week, so you really cannot generalize that "the burn it" or there is a "Starbucks roast." I drink Starbucks coffee all the time, and I've never even heard of a "Starbucks Roast" If you don't like dark roasted coffee, order their breakfast blend. :shrug:

[Breeze54]

49. Do you own company stock or..

something? Or maybe you just had "one to many" cups of 'SB BOLD' today? :shrug:
Chill out...gheesh
I think it tasted burnt also and I just ordered regular, not high test!

[Atman]

59. No, I don't

I'm sorry...I'm responding to many rash generalizations. I actually am perfectly happy to by Green Mountain Roasters coffee from a mini-market or get beans from Trader Joes. But I do like Starbucks, and they're a good company, and I have no problem trying to defend what I perceive to be unjust accusations. Personal preference is one thing, but I've never encountered "burned" or $4 coffee, and I've been to a LOT of Starbucks.

[Breeze54]

74. I didn't read the responses as...

'accusations'. I read them as opinions , first hand experience.
Just because your experience is different from mine, doesn't make my experience wrong.

It just means I have better taste buds than you!!
:rofl:
J/K...he,he,he!

I don't know where you live but SB's is expensive and even the CEO winked about what
he charges for a cup of coffee and admitted that he was 'marketing' a 'feeling'...
He said his company had 'soul'...Give me a break!
*psst* They're in it for the profit, per the CEO.


Menu Offerings at Starbucks
http://www.quicksilverweb.net/sbucks/sbcharts.htm

Starbucks Calorie Carb Info
http://www.dwlz.com/Restaurants/starbucks.html

[glitch]

62. The roast was a big deal when they split up, I am not kidding you.

I don't actually have a horse in this race, I drink tea now.
Just telling you the history as I heard it. The people who run Seattles Best and the people who run Starbucks used to work together and they split up over roasting times and temps. Or that was one of the reasons. Seattles Best said the Starbucks roast too harsh, Starbucks said coffee is better their way, IOW they're proud of their roast. They are like wine producers, they go through incredible taste testing.
The success of Starbucks tends to back their view, although they also had far more aggressive marketing. If they've diversified and now offer milder roasts and blends, then that's just smart business and good for them.
But they do have a distinctive roast that they built their business on.

[MsTryska]

129. I would have to disagree...IMO, they do overroast their beans

but as the poster above said, that's their trade mark.

[Neecy]

130. There actually is a Starbucks roast...

Most professional coffee roasters call it "Charbucks".

There's nothing wrong with a European roast if you use beans that can withstand a dark roast. Starbucks just roasts the crap out of most of their beans regardless of origin or characteristics and it leaves not only a burned taste but it produces a very thin cup of coffee - in other words, they've roasted the flavor right out of it.

It's still far cheaper to buy green coffee beans and roast them yourself - the Guat that Starbucks sells for eleven, twelve bucks a pound can be bought unroasted for about $1.75 if you know where to look and you can roast it to your own desired profile rather than let your tastes be dictated to by Starbucks or any other corporation. It's a lot fresher, too, and that makes all the difference in the taste and aroma.

[mondo joe]

48. Ha! Starbucks owns Seattle's Best. Literally.

They never "split". SBC wasn't owned or partnered with Starbucks in any way, but was bought up by Starbucks in recent years.

[glitch]

63. Then who am I thinking of? I know there was a split over roast with some

other company which spun off into Starbucks. I thought it was SBC.
Unless someone at Starbucks was just pulling my leg (not that hard to do).

[mondo joe]

65. Don't know. I do know that SBC and SBUX started out at roughly the same

time, both have stores in Pike Place Market.

SBC was owned by some brothers w the last name Stewart (and was originally named Stewart Brothers Coffee).

In more recent year SBUX bought them out, and some other smaller roasters too like Torrefazione.

[glitch]

66. Are you sure that SBC and the top guys at Starbucks never worked together?

They always competed, and I heard it was an old rivalry based on roasts.
I could've sworn it was them.

[mondo joe]

72. I worked at SBC for several years and while I heard a lot ABOUT

SBUX I never heard that ever, and I think I would have.

Roast was one of the ways they tried to distinguish themselves from one another.

[glitch]

75. It's funny, I do know some people who work at Starbucks(corp) but I don't

remember where I heard it, except that I heard it a long, long time ago and for some reason I stored it.

[Dunedain]

112. Peets

[glitch]

124. Ah! Thanks, that would've bugged me for who knows how long. nt

[Nailzberg]

44. Way to knock down that Strawman.

The nearest Dunkin Donuts is a day's drive from Los Angeles. And I've been taking my coffee black for 20 years.

The Starbucks house coffee served in store is terrible. The froo-froo coffee drinks are probably their best product, but I don't drink coffee milkshakes. I'll buy thier beans at the grocery store, but if I'm buying brew coffee on my way to work, it's Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf or Noah's Bagels.

[Atman]

53. "The Starbucks house coffee served in store is terrible."

You don't like Starbucks coffee. That much is clear. But your assertion that it is "terrible" can't be supported, as they sell more damned coffee than anyone on earth. Somebody is drinking it, and apparently enjoys it! Many people who drink black coffee don't like Starbucks (I drink it black, too) because it is generally more full-bodied than regular "breakfast roasts." I may have erected a straw man by claiming you must drink DD coffee, and that was my bad. But there isn't anything in my post that was off the mark.

Again, though...what the hell is "Starbucks house coffee?" I've never seen this in any Starbucks I've visited. I always have three different blends to select from, and usually go for the "Bold" or "medium roast" selection.

[toddaa]

67. I like bold coffee, but can't stand dark roast Starbucks

Their light and medium roasts are okay, but their dark roasts have a strange astringent taste to them. It's not how they brew the coffee, it's how they roast it. I frequently purchase a locally roasted coffee that is sometimes not available. When they are out, I'll buy a bag of Starbucks Guatamelan Antiqua and choke it down, but I usually end up throwing most of it out once the other becomes available.

[Gormy Cuss]

82. Lots of McDonald's food is sold too. That doesn't make it good.

I've had good coffee, and Starbucks ain't it. It beats the pants off the vats of dishwater that used to be standard American coffee but the roast has a burnt tone that dulls the distinctive flavors of various beans. Green Mountain Coffee from Vermont manages to retain more of the character of the bean. Peet's is only slightly less burnt than Starbucks and the delicate flavors are often lost.

Starbucks ate the best coffee shop chain in Boston, The Coffee Connection. The subtle differences in the beans were always present at that place. Central American beans didn't taste like Indonesian beans and Kenya AA was entirely different than either one. Dark roast was dark, not burnt, and Italian roast was distinctly different from French roast.

I'll buy Starbucks rather than the standard takeout swill but I don't consider it good coffee. I drank Starbucks in Seattle back when it was a small regional chain and its coffee was less homogenized and as I recall less burnt tasting at that time. Seattle's Best was the prime competitor then and it was better roasted coffee. Now SBC is supermarket crap.

[Dunedain]

110. It's the way they roast their beans

They over roast the beans to get the distinct "Starbucks" flavor.
I'll bet thats why to some people the coffee tastes "burnt"

[tridim]

14. Home brew is better and about 20 times cheaper

I grind and brew Costco coffee at home. It beats the bejesus out of Starbucks.

The only time I ever go is if someone wants to meet there.

[Carni]

133. Now see I didn't like the Costco beans I have bought...

Actually I liked the Sumatra that they were selling but the kirkland French roast or whatever (think it was French roast) I really did NOT like.

I should clarify though that I drink espresso or lattes not just coffee.

Regular coffee tastes too weak to me.

I used to make lattes at home a lot with my espresso maker but lately I haven't felt like spending 20 minutes screwing around with the machine in the morning and I can't afford a latte at Starbucks everyday...so I basically swig strong unsweetened iced tea every morning (cheapo lipton)

[brainshrub]

15. I only go to Starbucks if a friend drags me.

Starbucks is too corporate for my tastes. The coffee isn't so good that I shouldn't spend my money at a local coffee shop.

[Saturday]

16. Starbucks is a company for your soul.....

as the CEO said. I agree. They treat their workers well and have a good product IMO. I enjoy a cup of their coffee and I enjoy supporting a good company.

[uppityperson]

19. buy at smaller local coffe shops

Starbucks is too corporate for me to support, being a rich librul with low moral values and all. Their coffee is ok, but I like what my local ones make instead.

[guidod]

39. Starbucks only gives to liberal candidates

http://www.buyblue.org/node/1898/view/summary

[uppityperson]

57. Yes, but I still like to patronize my local smaller private businesses

supporting friends small businesses is a good thing for me to do.

[guidod]

101. You bet, it's a good

thing for everyone to do. :)

[Carni]

134. Every time I have done that

The coffee has tasted like swill but I am not in an area that is noted for coffee or great food products.

I am sure in other cities (where things are actually decent) that it would be a different story!

[NJ Democrats]

20. Never had it

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

21. Other...

I start every day with Starbucks House Blend, which I make in the Krups combination coffee maker - Capuccino machine I've had for the last 15 years.

I actually go into Starbucks 2 or 3 times a year, maximum...because no matter how good a Starbucks Cappucino tastes, it almost never tastes "five dollars good."

Plus, when you go into a Starbucks in Silicon Valley, you walk into a standing-room-only crowd of oblivious assholes with laptops and cell phones. Not my crowd. I'd be willing to bet there are more freepers than "liberals" in these crowds.

:patriot:

[malaise]

22. Never purchased

but after hearing about workers' benefits, I may give this a rethink.

[demosincebirth]

23. I love coffee, but never been to Starbucks.

What I brew at home is Yuban. I make it hardly with just a cup around it. Mmmm.

[Left Is Write]

24. I'm in Starbucks a couple of times a week, BUT

It would be Caribou if Caribou ever decided to come this far west.

Caribou is my coffee of choice. Either way, I'm sure it's too frou-frou for many.

The biggest difference between the two, coffee-wise, is that Caribou's fresh brewed drip coffee is fantastic. At Starbucks, I can only drink the lattes. The drip coffee is not good.

[LifeDuringWartime]

25. i voted 'frequently'

as it's right across the street from where most of my classes are. dunkin donuts always fouls up my order, and the independant shops are sort of out of the way. i want to go to those more, though. (espresso royale has amazing bagels!)

[Kali]

26. nope, not a coffee connoisseur

do need my two cups in la manana for sure, but it can be day old microwaved for all I care. Hell, I can handle Nescafe con azucar in Chihuahua for godsake. (really must be experienced to be appreciated :puke: )

Not to mention I can get 4 or 5 lbs at the store for the price of one or two cups. On the otherhand I would probably love some of the frou frou styles if I had a chance. So I don't begrudge anybody who can afford it. Seems a harmess enough luxury.

[MrSlayer]

27. I don't drink coffee at all.

Smells great, tastes like shit.

[madokie]

30. I like starbucks coffee, we recieved a grinder for christmas along with

some beans. The first morning I say to my wife, honey why haven't we done this long before now. she just :shrug:'s. I love that girl

[Nicole]

31. Never drink coffee

I can't stand the smell of it so I've never wanted to try it.

[sakabatou]

32. I've only bought SB coffee once

Other times, I've had their bottled stuff.

[Initech]

34. I tend to avoid Starbucks like the plague

I can go to Jack In The Box, get a huge drink, and a breakfast sandwich, for the exact same price as a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

[Atman]

38. A big cup of coffee costs 1.89 after tax.

I don't understand the bitch about the price. Where do you people live that Starbucks is commanding $4 for a cup of coffee????? It is only a few cents more than Dunkin "Carlyle Group" Donuts pondwater, yet several people in this thread have mentioned paying five bucks. It isn't even that much in Manhattan, for christs sake! Are you guys talking about double plus cinna latte frappa wappa mocha chino or something? Cuz that shit isn't coffee, it's desert, and it SHOULD cost five bucks, because in the time it takes them to make one of those silly drinks for you, they could fill five other regular coffee orders.

[Kingshakabobo]

58. That 4 and 5 dollar talk sh-t drives me nuts too.

Like you said: Starbuck's costs a few cents more than DD.....$1.97 out the door for a large in Chicago. For that, you get a clean store and an (almost guaranteed) friendly staff who is working with health benefits and retirement benefits.

DD serves those milk-shaky drinks as well and, guess what, they cost in the neighborhood of 4 bucks.

[Breeze54]

80. Last time I did

buy a large coffee at DD, it was $2.95 + tax!!

The one and only SB's coffee I purchased was $3.50 + tax;
admittedly, inside a movie theater.

[Kukesa]

127. Excellent point, Atman.

No one seems to pay attention to how much a real cup of coffee costs at Starbucks; it's about the same as Dunkin' Donuts and/or McDonald's.

Go figure.

[Carni]

135. I agree a venti latte is like 3.45

And then I tip 55 cents--that's a specialty beverage so yeah it's 4 bucks...but the just plain cup of coffee sure isn't 4 bucks.

[guidod]

36. Starbucks is a 100% blue company!

They make the greattest coffee! Seattle is almost equal to Starbucks, very good! Give me a big cup of French Roast with 3 shots of espresso in it and I'm ready to go!
Take a look!

http://www.buyblue.org/node/1898/view/summary

[SmokingJacket]

37. Only if I'm desperate.

I hate starbucks. The coffee's okay, but the places feel identical and fake, like being in a Pottery Barn catalog or something... I can't relax in them.

[Atman]

41. Try different ones then.

Every one I've been in is different. Unlike the truly homogenized DD stores, Starbucks goes into pre-existing locations and generally fits the surrounding community. I swear, from the comments I'm reading here, I don't think half the bashers in this thread have ever actually been into a Starbucks.

[SmokingJacket]

54. No, they really do all feel the same to me.

Like McDonald's, they have slightly different decorating schemes but an underlying uniformity. I feel lucky to live in a college town that has some nice interesting coffee shops, and one brand new starbucks I don't plan on visiting -- if for no other reason than to keep my cash in my town, and not send it out to Seattle (or wherever corporate headquarters is these days).

It's nice knowing the people who actually own the businesses, too. My local favorite roasts their own beans.

Plus... doesn't it feel silly to say "TALL" when you mean small, and VENTI when you mean large? It's just plain pretentious.

[Atman]

61. LOL! Yeah, I never use their terminology, just out of spite

I refuse. If I want a large coffee, I order a large. None of that "tall" or "venti" stuff!

And yeah, college towns generally have options when it comes to good coffee shops. When I'm in such an area, I will visit the local coffee shops over a Starbucks, too.

[Breeze54]

40. I only bought one cup of extremely...

hot coffee at a SB's in a movie theater. It was ridiculously high priced and to frigging hot!
It tasted burnt, to me, and I wasn't impressed with the high price. I did buy a bagel at one
near work once, not sure if it was a SB's. I don't go to Dunkin' Donut's either...I usually
make my coffee at home. It's a helluva lot cheaper and I refuse to pay $4.00 for a friggin'
cup of java! I hate those 'theme park' coffee shops...I'm quite happy, while on the run,
to get a cup of coffee in my free re-fill cup, at my local Cumberland Farms or Lil' Peach.
I get a discount if I use the free re-fill cup and sometimes a free coffee muffin!
And every ten(?) re-fills; I get a free refill!

But I was happy to see that even part-time workers have health Insurance at SB's.
But I'm still not willing to pay $3 to $4 for a cup...no way!!

[newswolf56]

42. Never -- too impoverished. In fact I don't remember the last time...

I stopped in a restaurant or cafe even for a cup of coffee: too many years ago, like the last time I actually bought a prepared meal (rather than cooked it myself or ate with friends). I used to eat out several times a week -- daily when I lived in Manhattan -- but when you become inescapably poor, that's one of the very first practices you abandon forever.

[bluestateguy]

43. I have mixed opinions about Starbucks

They treat their employees relatively well, but they still have the dominionist approach to spreading all over the world. It's a little irritating, and I am concerned that Starbucks is driving eclectic Mom and Pop coffee shops out of business. Still, they are no Wal-Mart, and I buy their coffee from time to time.

[Charlie Brown]

81. Yes, Starbucks seems determined to have a shop on every block

along with Publix, they're the most aggressive, expansive chain in my neck of the woods. The huge volume of stores often seems like it must put the crunch on local shops and coffee houses. I will say that the Starbucks I have been in appear to be well-managed and hospitable.

I can't stand their coffee, though. It just tastes completely stale to me.

[marmar]

45. I am, sadly, a Starbucks soy latte addict....

I'm kind of a java snob, and most of the coffee we get in America is crap. Starbucks (and Peet's on the west coast, and perhaps some beans from Dean and DeLuca) are as close as we get to a good Euro-style cup of coffee.

[Kahuna]

46. Never.

:shrug:

[Kahuna]

47. Never.

:shrug:

[mondo joe]

50. Starbucks is anything but effete. It's a reliably modestly good product,

but to be effete you have to go to micro-roasters. :-)

[scarlet_owl]

51. I've never even been inside a Starbucks.

I think there's one on campus, but I stay away from that whole area.

[Yollam]

52. Never been there on principle.

I don't care if they buy all the fair trade beans in the world, I make it a policy to support LOCAL MOM & POP businesses. I lived in San Diego 10 or 12 years ago when the hideously homogenized starbucks started popping up everywhere. Up until that point, there were locally owned coffeehouses all around, with poetry readings, art showings, and just all-around cool people and atmosphere. But when the spanking-new starbucks opened was when I noticed a whole different kind of coffee shop customer - the odious yuppie jabbering on his cell phone, sitting at a table outside the starbucks, drinking his overpriced coffee and posing as someone important.

At that point I knew Starbucks was not for me and I have never bought their tall vente mocha-crappucinos or anything else there. Same goes for Jamba Juice.

Since then, many of the locally-owned coffeehouses have disappeared and been replaced by Starbucks. Sorry, I want none of it. There is nothing progressive about frequenting mega-conglomerate-owned coffeehouses. If there are no locally-owned coffeehouses near you, buy Folgers, or some decent beans at your local market, at least they won't be making such an enormous profit margin on it. I don't care what kind of liberal veneer they slap on Starbucks. It's conservative, corporate, soulless and fake. Fuck Starbucks. The McDonald's of coffee.


To those who point out point out Starbucks' status as a "blue" company, I would say that first of all, there are a hell of a lot of elected democrats that are not progressive in any way, shape or form. Starbucks is only good in comparison to other huge corporations that give money to repugs.

A Starbucks would never, EVER put up a sign like THIS outside:




That's the difference between local and corporate-owned businesses. There are HUMAN BEINGS running real businesses. Hell, I'd rather spend my money at a locally-owned business even if it sold "freedom fries":.

[crispini]

96. Well, we didn't HAVE any locally owned coffeehouses

before Starbucks showed up, so I'll take it. ;)

[El Supremo]

55. Did they show the clip from 'Best in Show'?

Where couple said they met when they saw each other in Starbucks across the street from each other?

I just caught the end of it where I think 60 Minutes said that there WERE Starbucks across the street from one another. Hilarious!

I haven't had a Starbucks in a few years. I like Peaberry's better. Not as burnt. I still call them "Charbucks".

But after seeing the story, maybe I will try some again.

[mnhtnbb]

56. Only purchase Starbucks in airports when travelling

[Codeine]

60. I don't understand Starbucks.

I mean, I literally don't know what the coffee varieties are. MochaFrappa wha? Latte? Espresso? :shrug: I really haven't a clue, and since I don't do dairy products I'm not even sure what to experiment with. They need a primer for idiots like me.

Man, I'm as uncultured as all Hell! :dunce:

:blush:

[Breeze54]

79. Here ya go!!

Starbuck's Menu Simplified (kinda)
http://www.quicksilverweb.net/sbucks/sbcharts.htm

Have fun! :donut:

[wicket]

117. Thank-you!

:D :thumbsup:

[Hissyspit]

64. Last time I was in Starbucks in Charlotte, it was full of police officers

ordering coffee. Somehow I don't think they were all necessarily flaming liberals.

[sinkingfeeling]

68. I've had their coffee about 3 times in the last ten years. I don't like it

[northofdenali]

70. I buy our local stuff.

Sunrise Espresso, which makes all their coffee/espresso etc. drinks from North Pole (just outside Fairbanks) coffee and uses Northern Lights Dairy (in Delta Junction, 90 miles) cream, milk and ice cream.

But I have had Starbucks. Not bad. I agree with the poster who said the coffee is "burnt" - Starbucks coffee just is way too harsh for me. But their latte's and cappucinos are ok.

I try to buy local or Alaska made, or small companies, or green companies, whenever I can.

[maveric]

71. I like 7/11 coffee.

And I cant tell the differece between 7/11 and Starbucks for the life of me.
20 oz. 7/11 = $1.39
20 oz. Starbucks = $3.45.

[serryjw]

85. Funny....That's my favorite also

I support SB's while petitioning because they are usually in the supermarket I stand in front of.

[Zomby Woof]

93. 20oz at Starbucks is $1.80

And since Starbucks pays more for the healthcare benefits of its workers than it does on its coffee, I will pay the extra 41 cents so their employees have something too many people are without.

[Shakespeare]

120. Exactimundo.

I was mightily impressed last night when they said they pay more for their employees' healthcare than they do for the coffee itself. AND that they pay above market rate to the farmers for their coffee beans. That's not just "fair trade," that's ethical trade.

I generally drink one of TJ's ultra-dark roasts on a daily basis at home, but I love me some Starbucks every week or so, too.

Would that more corporations operated the way Starbucks does. The world really would be a better place.

[Odin2005]

76. No, it's not close enough

I usually frequent 3 coffee shops close by; Moxie Java, Atomic Coffee, and a locally owned place called Selah's.

[Odin2005]

77. BTW, I read that 250 years ago coffee shops were where many...

...Enlightenment thinkers discussed and debated things, the coffee shops where the internet of thier time, where news, opinions, and theories were posted and discussed. They would feel right at home in our modern coffee shops.

[Jazzgirl]

78. I absolutely hate Starbucks coffee.

I'm sorry but I think its the worst swill on earth and I don't EVER buy it!

JG

[mb7588a]

83. I've seen Cheney pix with a Starbucks cup.

oh the f'n hypocrisy.

[Blue_Tires]

84. i need coffee

but it really does not matter what store it comes from (7-11 is usually good enough for me)

admittedly, when i worked my last job, there was a starbucks right between the parking deck and my office, which got a lot of my business...

[hopeisaplace]

86. being Canadian...Tim Hortons :)

[spindrifter]

87. I am an addict and have had

Starbucks almost every day since 1984 and drank it, though less frequently since they opened their first shop by the Pike Street Market.

[Mountainman]

88. I drink cheap store brand instant coffee. I never felt the desire for

expensive coffee.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

89. Other.

Sometimes a few times a week, sometimes once a month.

[marlakay]

90. I like their company ideas

Yes it is very expensive but I love knowing that they provide health insurance for all employees even part time ones. It is very popular in my small town and very little places give insurance where I live so I think its great.

If more places would take care of their employees like that I would be more tempted to pay more for clothes and everything else.

[alfredo]

91. i like the fact that they do "fair trade" coffee. $1.60 for a cup

of coffee is steep, but you do get a huge dose of caffeine, and it pretty good coffee. The only time I go there is if it is the right place and the right time. Usually I go to independent coffee shops like Third Street stuff and Common Ground ( not a very original name, but the coffee is good and the conversation even better) Our Kerry for president grassroots movement started there.

So If the conditions are right, and I need to get really wired, I'll go to Starbucks, but as a rule I hit those little artsy fartsy independent coffee shops.

Third Street Stuff






Let's see Starbucks do that.

[kahnmann]

92. Fairly Often

I am a traveling salesperson and I tend to buy Starbucks when I'm out on the road. For many years I boycotted Starbucks because I thought that they were doing the same thing as WalMart and taking out all of the local businesses. I had a change of heart when a friend of mine said that in some cases a Starbucks makes a neighborhood of nothing into something. Next thing you know there is a local bakery, Florist, Gift shop, and a Pizza place all in the same area when before there might have been nothing. I also would like to chime in on the fact that if there is a Starbucks in your immediate neighborhood it will help raise the value of your home.

The best way to purchase Starbucks is at Costco. The Costco brand is roasted by Starbucks so your money is going to two blue companies.

[conflictgirl]

94. I love Starbucks, but I'm a little embarrassed about it

We don't have a lot of money, so I feel guilty about my occasional trips to Starbucks. I never eat in restaurants or go to movies in the theater though, so I suppose the Starbucks indulgence isn't as bad as it could be when viewed in that light.

We just got our first Starbucks in my area, but I was very familiar with them from when I lived in Dallas where I became very hooked on them. We do have independent coffee shops in the area, but my loyalty to Starbucks is because my favorite coffee drink is an iced latte and I don't like the way the independent shops here make them. (As an aside, I find the idea of putting an iced coffee drink in a paper cup very WRONG! It changes the taste of it in a way I find unpleasant.)

So I wouldn't go all out defending my love for Starbucks since I know it's better to support independent companies and it's a little extravagant. But I've been a coffee snob since I was 17 and worked for a different coffee retailer. I'm definitely NOT one of those people who can happily drink just any type of coffee.

[wtmusic]

121. Don't be embarrassed

Starbucks is one of very few huge corporations which is socially and environmentally responsible. They are a model for what corporations can be.

From an addict and a stockholder.

[DemoTex]

97. I LOVE Starbucks!

Big client of you-know-who! Written up very favorably in the Washington Post a couple of weeks ago (link between Dr.D. and Starbucks, Nordstrom, and Ritz-Carlton). I like their coffee, too. I'm not keen on all her Fortune 100 clients, but I do like Starbucks.

[lumberjack_jeff]

98. The also employ the disabled.

A man with autism works at the one nearest me.

... or at least I'm told he does, I've only been in there once because the local grocery outlet sells ground coffee in the can, and you can make many, many, $3 cups of coffee with it.

I'm all for supporting conscientious companies with my dollars - but only for stuff I need. I don't need a really expensive cup of coffee.

[closeupready]

99. Yes, I go there frequently, and I'm glad to help support a company

that provides health insurance (and other benefits) to their employees. I don't mind that I'm paying extra, and I like their coffee. A $2.00 for a large coffee, it's very affordable, IMHO.

[DetroitProle]

100. every. single. day.

Fair trade coffee and absolutely amazing. I can't stand that freeze-tried shit anymore. A blue company, fair-trade beans, and a good company to work for, with health insurance.
Get this though...my friend works there and gets a free pound of coffee every week...and gives it to me!

[mconvente]

102. yep other - don't drink coffee

I don't like it at all. Nor tea.

[jberryhill]

103. Market Saturation

There are so many Starbucks' in Seattle, I couldn't believe it.

I mean, I was in a Starbucks, and had to go to the men's room. There was ANOTHER Starbucks in the men's room. That's how bad its gotten.

[tammywammy]

106. I worked at Starbucks for 3 years

I like some of their coffees, but I tend to think it's over roasted, for me.

The Shade-Grown Mexican is my favorite from Starbucks. I rarely buy any espresso based drink, since they've move to the automatic machines and it's just not as good. I prefer the local coffee shop that actually makes the espresso.

I hardly go into a Starbucks at all now. Maybe once or twice a month, because I'll just drink the coffee at work.

And the only funny thing, is that after working in the coffee industry (3 year at SBUX and 1 managing an independent coffee shop) I still can't make decent coffee at home. :shrug:

[Radio_Lady]

107. I've had their coffee RARELY, which is what I voted on. However,

they have very nice restrooms, and that's why I usually stop there.

[Alsteen]

108. Starbucks = Pirates

My big problem with Starbucks is their predatory business practice of scouting out every single decent independent coffee house around and opening a store just as closly as possible to them.

I've seen them open up NEXT DOOR!

This of course leads to the independent going out of business very shortly thereafter.

They may be blue and seem to treat their employees nicely but I just can't go there .....

If I could only spell

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

109. Other.

Smack dab in the middle of "rarely" and "never."

[Blue_In_AK]

111. Have Starbuck's occasionally when we're out of state...

...but if we drink mochas at all up here, we usually have local coffee, Kaladi Bros. or Cafe del Mundo.

[Beaverhausen]

113. I treat myself to Iced Chai Tea there in the summer

and the occasional mocha the rest of the year.

Oh- and I LOVE their peppermint mocha's at holiday time. yum!

[tammywammy]

115. You can save money and make it yourself

The Tazo Chai is available in grocery stores. It's just a little of the Chai and milk with ice.

[anitar1]

114. The very best coffee in my town is Full City.

They roast their own and once you've had Full City, that's it. I buy beans there each week, plus all their drinks are great. The town is plastered with StarBucks , known to me as CharBucks.They recently opened one close to FullCity. Did not cut into the business at all.Also Latte's ect cost less there.

[Raine]

122. Sometimes I go there

but there is a couple local ones I really like. What I do like about Starbucks is you can consistantly count on them knowing how to put a decent head of foam on a cappucino. :thumbsup: I don't know how many times I have gone to other places and they don't know crap about how to do the foam. After three trys on them attempting to get it right I put them on my list of 'never going back'! x(

[TheCentepedeShoes]

123. There's a Starbucks

in my neighborhood but I usually go to Roasters in the same shopping area. Drink more coffee (iced) in the warmer months. Been working on a (...uh, probably very bad) parody of Bush*Co set in the old west. My version of the local hangout is "Moondeer's Grind 'n Grub."

[MsTryska]

128. I'm somewhere between Never and Rarely.

I bought Starbucks a few times like 3 years ago, when I was travling to podunk towns that had sucky hotel coffee, and starbucks was the only gig in town.


It's a nice caffein delivery system. But i don't believe in paying 5 bucks for a cup of coffee that isn't 100% Kona, or 100% Blue Mountain, or some other exotic varietal.

[gizmo1979]

131. I hate coffee but love starbucks!

This man pays for insurance for every single one of his employees part time or fulltime.He came from less than nothing to what he is today.He still gets snubbed by the elite's I love him and what he stands for.Buy Starbucks!!!!!

[Carni]

132. Answered *other* used to stop there almost every morning

That would have been during the CLINTON ADMIN....

Since the asshole has infiltrated the oval office I am lucky if I can afford the crap from 7-11 once a week.