Starbucks

Groundhog · 07-29-2008, 09:00 PM

Starbucks in Australia yesterday afternoon closed down 61 stores, out of a total of 84 in the country that it had opened since trying to push in to our market back in 2000.

The surprising thing about this to me is that there are only 84 stores in this country. I work in the Sydney CBD and within 15 mins walking distance of where I am right now I can count 8 Starbucks off the top of my head, and I'm probably forgetting some. Hardly surprising that they are having problems given the population of the city and the amount of stores within a stone's throw of each other.

Honolulu_Blue · 07-29-2008, 09:07 PM

That was Starbuck's M.O. I think they did some study that showed people would walk about 2 blocks for a cup of coffee. They really expanded far too greatly.

They are closing a ton of stores in the U.S., including the only one within walking distance of where I work. I'm pretty bummed about it, as my afternoon Starbucks run is pretty much the highlight of my day.

Lathum · 07-29-2008, 09:10 PM

try living in Seattle.

tey also are laying off 1000 non location jobs

Mustang · 07-29-2008, 09:39 PM

Starts about 30 seconds in

korme · 07-29-2008, 10:32 PM

I think I've stepped into a Starbucks once in my life.

Lathum · 07-29-2008, 10:36 PM

I think starbucks is nasty.

Dunkin Doughnuts is where its at

JeeberD · 07-29-2008, 10:45 PM

The only place I drink coffee is at work. One cup of coffee a day, at 7:30. Two Splendas and some 2% milk, please.

JeeberD · 07-29-2008, 10:46 PM

Dola-

Though I will admit I have a weak spot for Double Chocolate Chip Frappucinos.

MrBug708 · 07-29-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

I think starbucks is nasty.

Dunkin Doughnuts is where its at

Maybe it's an east coast thing, but I've never understood the fascination with Dunkin donuts. The only donut chain I ever knew about was Winchell's Donuts and they didnt last so long. Coffee from 7-11 is the best IMO

Lathum · 07-29-2008, 11:30 PM

WaWa is the shit also

Groundhog · 07-29-2008, 11:49 PM

I go to Starbucks if I'm meeting up with a group of folks and we feel like a coffee or I'm working on a public holiday or weekend and they're the only place open, but mainly I just go to the coffee guy in the lobby of our building.

In summer though I do get the odd craving for a frappucino.

Izulde · 07-30-2008, 12:29 AM

Starbucks is overpriced.

I prefer some obscure restaurant where the coffee's good and bottomless, the food's decent and cheap and you can sit there for hours talking and nobody minds.

Groundhog · 07-30-2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izulde

Starbucks is overpriced.

I prefer some obscure restaurant where the coffee's good and bottomless, the food's decent and cheap and you can sit there for hours talking and nobody minds.

Won't argue that it's overpriced. It's the McDonald's of the coffee world, where you go there for the brand as much as you do the food.

I just don't think any bottomless coffee places exist around here though - none that I'm aware of anyway. Now that I think of it I don't know that I'd really want to drink more than a full cup of coffee either. Even one cup can give me trouble sleeping if I drink it too close to midday. I'm a coffee light-weight.

Spree · 07-30-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Maybe it's an east coast thing, but I've never understood the fascination with Dunkin donuts. The only donut chain I ever knew about was Winchell's Donuts and they didnt last so long. Coffee from 7-11 is the best IMO

I had the following exchange with my editor-in-chief the other day:

"Going to go get some lunch."
"Where?"
"Dunkin' Donuts."

They have sandwiches and pizza.

IHOP tried this. But, like KFC, I think they permanently abbreviated their name to make an impression they had more eclectic fare. The only shortening of "Dunkin' Donuts" I can think of is "Double D's." Women's rights organizations would not be happy.

scooper · 07-30-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Won't argue that it's overpriced. It's the McDonald's of the coffee world, where you go there for the brand as much as you do the food.

I just don't think any bottomless coffee places exist around here though - none that I'm aware of anyway. Now that I think of it I don't know that I'd really want to drink more than a full cup of coffee either. Even one cup can give me trouble sleeping if I drink it too close to midday. I'm a coffee light-weight.

Speaking of the McDonalds of the coffee world, McDonalds has some damned good coffee. I wasn't sure if my tastes were that skewed or what, but I've found out it's not just me. Hell, I read a review/study in Consumer Reports where McDonalds coffee beat Starbucks in taste tests. Granted, that's coffee, not the frapumochachinolatte's and what not.

I can give or take fast food, but I love to drive through McDonalds for the occassional cup of coffee.

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooper

Speaking of the McDonalds of the coffee world, McDonalds has some damned good coffee. I wasn't sure if my tastes were that skewed or what, but I've found out it's not just me. Hell, I read a review/study in Consumer Reports where McDonalds coffee beat Starbucks in taste tests. Granted, that's coffee, not the frapumochachinolatte's and what not.

I can give or take fast food, but I love to drive through McDonalds for the occassional cup of coffee.

I tried McDonalds coffee last March while I was making the drive from D.C. to Michigan. I had two sips of it and then immediately threw it out. I found their coffee to vile stuff, practically undrinkable.

st.cronin · 07-30-2008, 11:32 AM

The best coffee I have ever had is Alterra, a company which I think is based in Milwaukee.

JeeberD · 07-30-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I tried McDonalds coffee last March while I was making the drive from D.C. to Michigan. I had two sips of it and then immediately threw it out. I found their coffee to vile stuff, practically undrinkable.

Yup, I had some in Missouri this past winter, and it tasted like crap to me...

Autumn · 07-30-2008, 11:34 AM

I'm not sure all these Starbucks closings are a sign of bad health for the company. Their strategy has always been to saturate a town with Starbucks until they drive the local coffee shops out of business. The natural thing to do next is consolidate locations. I don't follow them financially, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're just progressing along their logical path.

I don't like Starbucks coffee, but I especially dislike this company strategy.

Autumn · 07-30-2008, 11:35 AM

I can't stand Dunkin Donuts coffee. It's just too watery and weak. I think most people who go there drink a lot of milk and sugar.

I haven't tried McDonald's but I know they have switched to Newman's organic. But it's unlikely that it's brewed well considering the hired help, and the lack of emphasis on coffee. At Starbucks they at least train their workers how to make coffee, even if I dislike their roast.

Subby · 07-30-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izulde

Starbucks is overpriced.

I prefer some obscure restaurant where the coffee's good and bottomless, the food's decent and cheap and you can sit there for hours talking and nobody minds.

If you use your Sbux card to buy your coffee all of your refills are free.

The advantage to Starbucks is this: there is so much fucking weak-ass horrid coffee in this world that it is nice to know I can go into any of their stores and get a good, strong cup. With a shot of espresso, if needed.

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subby

If you use your Sbux card to buy your coffee all of your refills are free.

The advantage to Starbucks is this: there is so much fucking weak-ass horrid coffee in this world that it is nice to know I can go into any of their stores and get a good, strong cup. With a shot of espresso, if needed.

Subby is wise.

st.cronin · 07-30-2008, 11:50 AM

Starbucks does make very good coffee, and usually offers genuinely good customer service. Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds do not make good coffee, in my experience.

MikeVic · 07-30-2008, 11:59 AM

Does Starbucks sell tea?

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Does Starbucks sell tea?

Yes.

Young Drachma · 07-30-2008, 12:38 PM

They are closing the one where I live now, sadly. The blended strawberry lemonade makes me happy.

Passacaglia · 07-30-2008, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

They are closing the one where I live now, sadly. The blended strawberry lemonade makes me happy.

There will be plenty more where you're moving to.

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 12:46 PM

You Starbucks weinies get strumpets while you are there too?

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

You Starbucks weinies get strumpets while you are there too?

Strumpets? I wasn't aware your mother worked at Starbucks. So, no.

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Strumpets? I wasn't aware your mother worked at Starbucks. So, no.

Frappacino and off the hang out at the GAP perhaps?

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Frappacino and off the hang out at the GAP perhaps?

While I am all for the older crowd trying to keep fashionable, please let your mother know that those Frappacionoes are pretty fattening. I'd suggest she try to avoid them. Just a word to the wise for old gal.

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

While I am all for the older crowd trying to keep fashionable, please let your mother know that those Frappacionoes are pretty fattening. I'd suggest she try to avoid them. Just a word to the wise for old gal.

sounds like you are speaking from experience

ice4277 · 07-30-2008, 01:00 PM

Both of the Starbucks that are within walking distance of my work are closing. Sucks if I want a frou-frou drink but since we have free regular Starbucks coffee in my office I'm not too bothered.

BTW, Tim Horton's coffee is the greatest, no comparison.

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

sounds like you are speaking from experience

Well, it has been a few years now that you mention it. Why don't you tell the old gal to give me a call when she's back in town? k thx.

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Well, it has been a few years now that you mention it. Why don't you tell the old gal to give me a call when she's back in town? k thx.

So is it true the mayor of Hipsterdofusvilee is Matt Millen?

Mustang · 07-30-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Frappacino and off the hang out at the GAP perhaps?

Orange Mocha ones to be precise. Followed by a nice gas fight.

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

Orange Mocha ones to be precise. Followed by a nice gas fight.

I think if you pass gas in Starbucks you are beaten for dead with feathers by all the male barristas.

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

So is it true the mayor of Hipsterdofusvilee is Matt Millen?

Dunno. I would doubt it. I reckon Millen is more your kind of a man. A Man's man, if you know what I mean? A kind of man who wouldn't cry if he got pushed down and thinks coffee shops, like Starbucks, are for pussies. That's manly.

Also, I am far too much of a geek to be a hipsterdoofus, so I am unaware of their political structure.

I do know one thing: Matt Millen is the mayor of your mama's heart. The little strumpet admitted as much the last time she was in town.

Lorena · 07-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang

Orange Mocha ones to be precise. Followed by a nice gas fight.

and a good smoke!

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Dunno. I would doubt it. I reckon Millen is more your kind of a man. A Man's man, if you know what I mean? A kind of man who wouldn't cry if he got pushed down and thinks coffee shops, like Starbucks, are for pussies. That's manly.

Also, I am far too much of a geek to be a hipsterdoofus, so I am unaware of their political structure.

I do know one thing: Matt Millen is the mayor of your mama's heart. The little strumpet admitted as much the last time she was in town.

You know when you try and act cool as a geek. Like now, you are a hipsterdoofus.

Hope that clears it up.

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

You know when you try and act cool as a geek. Like now, you are a hipsterdoofus.

Hope that clears it up.

This is no act my friend. I am totally, 100%, all the time, this cool.

Hope that clears it up.

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

This is no act my friend. I am totally, 100%, all the time, this cool.

Hope that clears it up.

How can I argue with that.

Dr. Sak · 07-30-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

You know when you try and act cool as a geek. Like now, you are a hipsterdoofus.

Hope that clears it up.

Who pissed in your cheerios this morning?

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Who pissed in your cheerios this morning?

oh great, another starbucks weinie

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

How can I argue with that.

You can't really. The evidence is overwhelming.

Honolulu_Blue · 07-30-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

oh great, another starbucks weinie

Dr. Sak · 07-30-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

oh great, another starbucks weinie

Nope...Tim Hortons is #1 followed by Dunkin Donuts as far as coffee goes.

rkmsuf · 07-30-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Nope...Tim Hortons is #1 followed by Dunkin Donuts as far as coffee goes.

Well Ok then. I take it all back.

terpkristin · 07-30-2008, 06:17 PM

I think the argument about where to get your coffee depends on your location and what you want.

I personally can't stand Starbucks' normal drip or their beans, but if I want a latte or a Frappucino, I'll go there. Their new drip, Pike Place, isn't bad, but I make better coffee.

Of course, if I'm running around all day and need my coffee after the gym, I'll go there.

There aren't any Dunkin Donuts convenient to me, and the ones down here are NOWHERE near as good as the ones in New England, but if I'm not making the coffee myself or going to Wegmans, they're my first choice for drip (I guess that makes it my 3rd choice?). In New England, they know how to make an iced coffee the right way, but down here, they don't.

There aren't any Tim Horton's down here that I know of (not that I've looked lately), and I've only been to 1. It wasn't for me, but who knows? A sample size of 1 doesn't say much.

I think Starbucks' presence on every corner is annoying (in parts of DC you can't walk 1 block without passing 2 Starbucks), but I'd be lying if I said they never have anything I want.

/tk

Dr. Sak · 07-30-2008, 06:27 PM

I miss Wegmans!

07-29-2008, 09:07 PM	#2
Honolulu_Blue Hockey Boy Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Royal Oak, MI	That was Starbuck's M.O. I think they did some study that showed people would walk about 2 blocks for a cup of coffee. They really expanded far too greatly. They are closing a ton of stores in the U.S., including the only one within walking distance of where I work. I'm pretty bummed about it, as my afternoon Starbucks run is pretty much the highlight of my day. __________________ *Steve Yzerman*: 1,755 points in 1,514 regular season games. 185 points in 196 postseason games. A First-Team All-Star, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Selke Trophy winner, Masterton Trophy winner, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Olympic gold medallist, and a three-time Stanley Cup Champion. Longest serving captain of one team in the history of the NHL (19 seasons).

07-29-2008, 09:39 PM	#4
Mustang Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wisconsin	Starts about 30 seconds in __________________ You, you will regret what you have done this day. I will make you regret ever being born. Your going to wish you never left your mothers womb, where it was warm and safe... and wet. i am going to show you pain you never knew existed, you are going to see a whole new spectrum of pain, like a Rainboooow. But! This rainbow is not just like any other rainbow, its...

07-29-2008, 10:45 PM	#7
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	The only place I drink coffee is at work. One cup of coffee a day, at 7:30. Two Splendas and some 2% milk, please. __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

07-29-2008, 10:46 PM	#8
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Dola- Though I will admit I have a weak spot for Double Chocolate Chip Frappucinos. __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

07-29-2008, 11:49 PM	#11
Groundhog Coordinator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia	I go to Starbucks if I'm meeting up with a group of folks and we feel like a coffee or I'm working on a public holiday or weekend and they're the only place open, but mainly I just go to the coffee guy in the lobby of our building. In summer though I do get the odd craving for a frappucino. __________________ Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. --Ambrose Bierce

07-29-2008, 09:10 PM	#3
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	try living in Seattle. tey also are laying off 1000 non location jobs

07-29-2008, 10:32 PM	#5
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	I think I've stepped into a Starbucks once in my life.

07-29-2008, 10:36 PM	#6
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	I think starbucks is nasty. Dunkin Doughnuts is where its at

07-29-2008, 11:30 PM	#10
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	WaWa is the shit also

07-30-2008, 12:29 AM	#12
Izulde Head Coach Join Date: Sep 2004	Starbucks is overpriced. I prefer some obscure restaurant where the coffee's good and bottomless, the food's decent and cheap and you can sit there for hours talking and nobody minds. __________________ 2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty)

07-30-2008, 11:32 AM	#17
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	The best coffee I have ever had is Alterra, a company which I think is based in Milwaukee. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

07-30-2008, 11:34 AM	#19
Autumn Head Coach Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bath, ME	I'm not sure all these Starbucks closings are a sign of bad health for the company. Their strategy has always been to saturate a town with Starbucks until they drive the local coffee shops out of business. The natural thing to do next is consolidate locations. I don't follow them financially, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're just progressing along their logical path. I don't like Starbucks coffee, but I especially dislike this company strategy.

07-30-2008, 11:35 AM	#20
Autumn Head Coach Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bath, ME	I can't stand Dunkin Donuts coffee. It's just too watery and weak. I think most people who go there drink a lot of milk and sugar. I haven't tried McDonald's but I know they have switched to Newman's organic. But it's unlikely that it's brewed well considering the hired help, and the lack of emphasis on coffee. At Starbucks they at least train their workers how to make coffee, even if I dislike their roast.

07-30-2008, 11:50 AM	#23
st.cronin General Manager Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Mexico	Starbucks does make very good coffee, and usually offers genuinely good customer service. Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds do not make good coffee, in my experience. __________________ co-commish: bb-bbcf.net knives out

07-30-2008, 11:59 AM	#24
MikeVic Head Coach Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hometown of Canada	Does Starbucks sell tea?

07-30-2008, 12:38 PM	#26
Young Drachma Dark Cloud Join Date: Apr 2001	They are closing the one where I live now, sadly. The blended strawberry lemonade makes me happy.

07-30-2008, 12:46 PM	#28
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	You Starbucks weinies get strumpets while you are there too? __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

07-30-2008, 01:00 PM	#33
ice4277 Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Berkley, MI: The Hotbed of FOFC!	Both of the Starbucks that are within walking distance of my work are closing. Sucks if I want a frou-frou drink but since we have free regular Starbucks coffee in my office I'm not too bothered. BTW, Tim Horton's coffee is the greatest, no comparison.

07-30-2008, 06:17 PM	#49
terpkristin Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ashburn, VA	I think the argument about where to get your coffee depends on your location and what you want. I personally can't stand Starbucks' normal drip or their beans, but if I want a latte or a Frappucino, I'll go there. Their new drip, Pike Place, isn't bad, but I make better coffee. Of course, if I'm running around all day and need my coffee after the gym, I'll go there. There aren't any Dunkin Donuts convenient to me, and the ones down here are NOWHERE near as good as the ones in New England, but if I'm not making the coffee myself or going to Wegmans, they're my first choice for drip (I guess that makes it my 3rd choice?). In New England, they know how to make an iced coffee the right way, but down here, they don't. There aren't any Tim Horton's down here that I know of (not that I've looked lately), and I've only been to 1. It wasn't for me, but who knows? A sample size of 1 doesn't say much. I think Starbucks' presence on every corner is annoying (in parts of DC you can't walk 1 block without passing 2 Starbucks), but I'd be lying if I said they never have anything I want. /tk __________________ GO TERPS! https://www.flickr.com/photos/terpkristin https://twitter.com/terpkristin

07-30-2008, 06:27 PM	#50
Dr. Sak Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Stuck in Yinzerville, PA	I miss Wegmans!

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