Starbucks: Friend or Foe? Or A Non-Issue?

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Permalink Reply by Amy on January 24, 2008 at 7:07pm

Heh, remind me to relay my StarBucksgossip chai related rant sometime.

I don't think about SB all that much, even though there is one 4 blocks from our store. I know some of our customers probably headed over there when it opened, but I know it's not because their coffee is better, but because it's closer to their office or convenient or they love the SB specials. We still hear from people how happy they are we're here and serving our kind of coffee and espresso. I think the customer's also appreciate that our employees have flexibility, from what they wear to how they do their job (as long as it's always good!). I also tell my staff that I won't put up with the (unfortunately) stereotypical indie coffee shop 'tude. I have no time for that crap, and if they want to be that way they can go work somewhere else (though I don't make them all act like Little Mary Sunshine, that's just creepy).

Permalink Reply by vincent guerrero on June 5, 2011 at 8:46pm

Starbucks is always going to be there in one form or another.  The new one is Mc Donalds, but challenge is the same great Coffee, Great Service, and a little something that no one else can offer.  The Key is getting people in the door the first time.  Wow the guest and they will be back.

Permalink Reply by Samantha Gieseke on October 13, 2011 at 10:22am

I'm not a coffee shop owner, but I do frequent them! I think it is wise to study what industry leaders are doing right and wrong when they relate directly to your business. If you can figure out why people drink their coffee... convenience, recognizable brand, parking/drive thrus more than good tasting or consistent coffee (which they don't do)... it may help improve your weaknesses or lead to changes that increase loyalty. Forgetting about a top dog player in coffee would be silly! Whether it consumes your thoughts is another story...