10-06-2006, 06:36 PM
Yeah, I too pretty much agree with $tevie. Starbucks is a very easy target because of their sheer, almost excessive ubiquity. Do they really need to have 10 branches within maybe 8 square blocks of downtown San Francisco? Judging by the latté lines, I guess they do.
Aside from the market saturation, overly-charred roasts, and annoying product nomenclature, Starbucks is a pretty progressive company that's making great strides in mitigating environmental impacts, giving a big boost to fair trade coffee, &c. I don't feel bad about going to a Starbucks if there's not much else around (I am an addict, after all!) or it's the holiday season and I have a hankering for a peppermint mocha or eggnog latté, but there are so many good independent cafés around here that are worth supporting.
Aside from the market saturation, overly-charred roasts, and annoying product nomenclature, Starbucks is a pretty progressive company that's making great strides in mitigating environmental impacts, giving a big boost to fair trade coffee, &c. I don't feel bad about going to a Starbucks if there's not much else around (I am an addict, after all!) or it's the holiday season and I have a hankering for a peppermint mocha or eggnog latté, but there are so many good independent cafés around here that are worth supporting.