Starbucks built their brand off of the excellence of the coffee just as much as they did the experience. Think back to when they first started. In many cities and towns you could not get rich, dark coffee like what they serve. Starbucks started a major evolution in the quality of coffee. The other major component of their success, which is not to be overlooked, is the standardization of their product. Customers always know what to expect when they go in a store to order their favorite beverage. They don't always know what to expect when they go into a mom and pop shop.

Can we start with free WiFi? I'm finding I need it first and caffeine second!

Robert -
You make a good point. I was looking at it thru the experience of growing up in Boston/Cambridge where there were wonderful coffee houses and we thought Dunkies was pretty good too ;-)

To me Caribou Coffee is more in line with a company that has slightly different interiors from store-to-store well but maintains consistency in terms of product and service as good (or better) than SB

John - Great point. I don't get why free wifi isn't SOP for all coffee shops and airports. And don't forget sufficient outlets too.

As soon as they put in the automatic espresso makers, I was finished with Starbucks. I don't have time to attend jazz nights at the coffee shop, and frankly I would be horrified if they suddenly had play centers on the premises, a la McDonalds.

I want good coffee, and a barista who knows how to pull a shot. Starbucks feels like a gimmick now, and their product is horrible.

Gosh durn I wish they would turn off the loud music. I can't even hear myself think when I work there. So much for the on-the-road office space for road warriors. At least Caribou is somewhat quiet!!!!

Jennifer - No kids for you .. but perhaps SB is in a neighborhood where moms end up after taking their kids to the park. Or maybe SB is located in an area know for artists and musicians. Or maybe there are a group of people who stop by to discuss local restaurants or politics. What I'm saying is the 'coffee shop landscape' has changed since SB entered the scene. There are more and more shops serving great coffee. Hey, even McD's is getting into the act. Would I drive thru McD's for my am java fix .. perhaps. Would I spend time at a McD's drinking my coffee and writing my latest blog post .. probably not.

That you feel SB is a gimmick is telling. I'm saying pull away the gimmicks and listen to what the people in the community want. And if it's a series of political candidates or a local artist who reads poetry it could be the way to get back to the authenticity that it seems to have lost.

By the way, love your blog and enjoyed your beautiful writing.

Kristin - BTW I like Caribou better too - coffee and experience!

Customer service!!! The bored ,rude multipierced goth teenagers are a far cry from the "baristas" we all fell in love with. Now the automated machines, mind numbing music and (frequently) sloppy sitting areas are not a draw! I never used to mind the time it took to wait for a quality drink-now you can get the same cookie cutter beverage most anywhere else and with faster,markedly more pleasant service

Starbucks can't do the indie coffee shop. They're Starbucks, plain and simple. That's what they're good at. Let the other shops like Vail local Coyote Cafe (http://coyotecafe.net) do the indie thing.

Can we start with free WiFi? I'm finding I need it first and caffeine second!http://www.spotesya.com/