Jun 23, 2008
starbucks
a few weeks back, crystal and i went down to the US to do a little shopping. while at the seattle premium outlets, i stopped off at a starbucks to enjoy a grande latte. apparently, while starbucks prides itself in consistency of it’s product, the branding and experience is slightly different in the two contries. when i ordered my coffee, i was asked my name and the barrista wrote it right on the cup. odd. also, the cup had a brown logo, whereas here, we have green. perhaps they are just changing their branding and it hasn’t moved up to canada yet.
the whole name thing though is a bit weird though - next time, i’m going to ask the barrista their name before i give mine.
13 Comments, Comment or Ping
andy
Starbucks is no longer a coffee shop. Whenever I go in there, everyone is ordering these blended-coffee-ice-cream drinks. It’s basically turned into a milkshake shop.
- Starbucks Frappuccino® Blended Coffee (Grande Size) - 430 calories
- McDonald’s Sausage McGriddles® sandwich - 420 calories
- McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger - 430 calories
Jun 24th, 2008
neil
There is definitely an increase in “milkshake” consumption during the summer.
What i don’t like about the frappuccinos is how bloody loud the blenders are. It’s intense and makes having a conversation in a cozy coffee shop quite difficult. It’s a total atmosphere killer.
Starbucks is pretty shitty in some ways - like the whole automated espresso machines they use now. I’ll take a hand made JJ bean latte or americano over one at starbucks any day of the week.
Jun 25th, 2008
crystallitis
I’m with you on the loudness factor. I’ve stopped spending my lunch breaks reading at Starbucks because of it. Actually, I’ve stopped taking lunch breaks, but that’s a whole nutha issue. I think Starbucks is making too much money off of the ’shakes, so there is no hope in getting back the serenity of the coffee house. I’d suggest abandoning them altogether if it wasn’t for their Whole Milk, 180F, No Water, Chai Tea Lattes :) Now you just can’t get that at Timmy Ho’s.
Jun 25th, 2008
neil
no, you can’t, but i can order and pay for a large double double at tim horton’s before you get the “tea” part of your drink. :)
starbucks stock is (well, already largely has, but it’s not over yet) going to take a hit - ppl can’t afford $4 coffee when gas is $1.47/L.
Jun 25th, 2008
zameericle
at $1.98 my dark morning roast is unbeatable - and I can only get it at starbucks! yummy
Jun 25th, 2008
Leia
I can see your point of view, and to add to your pile - for your sake not mine - what is up with adding drive thru’s to Starbucks?
Either way, I may be putting a stick in your spoke, or wheel - whatever - I simply find myself grateful for having a Starbucks, and being able to experience their great coffee. Yesh, the entire experience in the actual coffee shop may not necessarily be up to everyone’s standards, nonetheless it does prove itself to be a satisfying enough place to go, with products that please just the right people.
I just think what it would be like without one, as it once was. And then I find myself seating deep amidst the comfort of gratitude. Fruit-basket-of-love, maybe…
Jun 26th, 2008
Leia
As for the name thing Neil, maybe it is a way for Starbucks to personalize their service. Most people like it when they are recognized, when people know who they are. And, maybe Starbucks is taking that road. Maybe they are trying to create a “bond”, to generate a certain feeling within their clientele. This is actually a marketing strategy.
When the customer feels appreciated, when they feel they have been treated like they deserve to be treated, they form a “good” opinion of that place. This will then generate a feeling that will then be associated to that particular place. This is how the mind works… by use of association.
You know, I read somewhere - and yes the source is reliable - that the sweetest sound in the English language (or whatever language you speak) is the sound of your name. Go figure! Maybe Starbucks is onto this one!
Jun 26th, 2008
mandy
crystal - maybe the reason you no longer go to read at starbucks anymore on your lunch break is because the one closest to your work got blown up.
Jun 27th, 2008
Andrea
Starbucks used to ask your name when they first started opening in Canada years ago. I suppose they stopped because it got to be too busy. They still ask you in most Starbucks I have been too here in Aussie. Then again I enjoyed my usual Grande Soy Latte one day and paid $5.40!!! Crazy! Personal service costs money I guess.
Jul 3rd, 2008
crystallitis
LOL, blown up indeed. There is one on 6th and Willow (I think), which is a couple of blocks down a steep hill. However, it was at the previous company that I used to enjoy the serenity of a good book and Chai Tea Latte at lunch. However, Starbucks has lost that serenity and I’ve yet to find its replacement. Steeps could probably substitute for Starbucks, but I’ll have to find a new favourite. Their London Fog with Creamy Earl Grey tea is a pretty good choice.
Jul 7th, 2008
crystallitis
BTW Neil, I love your sponsored ad “Who’s To Blame for $4 Gas?” with the photo of George Dubblya and the unrecognizable Muslim.
Jul 7th, 2008
andy
yeah that’s a great advertisement, Neil.
BTW - I voted for the picture of the evil-looking sheik guy.
Jul 10th, 2008
neil
lol. yeah, i don’t get to pick them. there have been some pretty funny ones - probably cause my blog sucks so badly. :)
Jul 12th, 2008
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