Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

www.TerryReeves.com — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:17:20 GMT

My problem with local Starbucks is in the filling of the cup. They don't. I would say that on average my cups of coffee from Starbucks is at best 3/4 full. Sometimes much less. So, I pay entirely too much for the coffee and get less than a cup full.

I started using the "little guys" a couple of years ago. I do, from time to time, stop at a Starbucks but it always makes me mad after I have done so.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Coffe Snob, Tacoma, Wa — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:00:17 GMT

To the comment about not filling the cups all the way...their cups are actually 2 oz bigger than they say (ex: 16 beverage is in an 18 0x cup). They do this so you WILL get what you pay for and still have room to add other condiments. Just thought I would spread a little knowledge your way.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Abbie Herman — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:00:12 GMT

How do people get to "love" Starbucks in the first place? While their coffee used to be better, it never was even close to the quality the indie joints have always served. I think all this loving of Starbucks is about wanting to follow the "in" crowd instead being a seeker of true quality coffee. And just because it is "in" doesn't mean it was, or is, any good.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Ed Wolosezky, Vancouver BC — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:55:31 GMT

Sadly, here in Canada, we have few "indie" options. The other mega chain, Tim Hortons, has weak, commercial gruel coffee, terrible service, and is staffed by ignorant 15 year olds! I love the availability of high quality independent coffee shops all across the US. While I frequent a Starbucks most days, I have narrowed my regular selections there to a few types. Otherwise I leave - or pay another buck for a custom brewed Americano. Since Starbucks bought Seattle's Best, there are even fewer options North of the border.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Martin M, Ann Arbor, MI — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:45:44 GMT

I found a small Organic Fair Trade coffee roaster, True Blue Coffee Roasters in West Virginia. Now I don't even think about buying Starbucks coffee anymore.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

John, Melbourne, AU — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:38:09 GMT

Here in Melbourne, Australia we have Lygon St- the centre of Italian culture. I was there last night and found to my disgust a Starbucks had opened there. I'm happy (and proud) to report it was completely empty

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Ginny, Brewerton, N.Y. — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:17:12 GMT

We own a small cafe and pride ourselves on great coffees and teas. We love doing what we do and meet people from all over the world. We get repeat customers from different countries! We have been open 2 years and looking forward to our third! We live on the intercoastal waterway and are close to Rte 81, a N\S interstate. I love "LOCAL", you get to experience the flavor of the area you are in.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Adhocreporter — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:28:22 GMT

This is a funny ad I found. It might be fake Im not sure. But its funny as hell. http://www.creditsnacks.com/starbuckschick.html

I think I might start drinking Coffee again.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Peter George, Warwick, RI — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:31:44 GMT

Ginny, I agree with you whole-heartedly about local "flavor." Not too many years ago, places like Newport, RI and LaJolla, CA offered locals and tourist alike the opportunity to experience the town's unique atmosphere. Today, much of that has been replaced by the generic feel that accompanies the ubiquity of Starbucks, Yankee Candle, and other chains. How unfortunate.

As for Starbucks itself, whatever happened to the days when you would enter a Starbucks and the barista would ask for your name. Consumers simply thought the workers asked so orders would be marked and handed over correctly at the end of the production line. But there was much more to it. After a short time, the baristas learned the names of those who frequented the coffee shops, causing the coffee lovers love their local Starbucks as well. Maybe it's a sign of the state of Starbucks, but it's still a shame to see such an effective, easily applied marketing tactic go to the wayside.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

DON RUDICK PORTLAND, OR. — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:28:31 GMT

WE HAVE A COFFEE SHOP AND ROASTING CO, HAVE BEEN IN THE SAME PLACE FOR ABOUT 7 YEARS. A STARBUCK MOVED IN ACROSS THE STREET ABOUT A YEAR AGO, AND THEY HATE ME FOR STEEL BEING THERE. We get new people every day coming over to get a good cup of coffee, what ones used to be a very busy starbucks is now a joke in are area. starbucks is out small shops are in, sorry big green. ( not )

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Paul Sloan, Thousand Oaks, CA — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:43:47 GMT

After 12 + years of my morning Grande cup of Starbucks, I’ve found I can get anything but a decent cup of coffee. Years ago you could walk in and get a fantastic BASIC cup of Breakfast Blend (Mild) or bold (Drip) with a little more kick. It is now a crap shoot about what blend you’ll get with the competition of the “New” blends that Starbucks pushes. The baristas are so busy with other menu items, many times I have walked into a store more than a half hour after opening, and only one selection of coffee has been brewed. Starbucks is supposed to be a coffee house isn’t it??? I have now found myself brewing my own coffee at home to ensure I get a quality cup. Hopefully Starbucks can turn things around by taking a look at their roots.

Starbucks' problems are a boost to little javas

Jorge, Alhambra, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:16:34 GMT

I am not much of a coffee conosseiur but I have noticed that most of Starbucks coffee end up tasting the same. Whether I order a caramel macchiato, tall black coffee, or their holiday special(s), they end up tasting the same. The only thing setting them different from each other is their smell. I think they need to add something to their drinks that makes that specific drink a taste that's only to itself. It's hard to explain. But I tried.