by KYYX4ever » Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:59 am
Heh,
I resisted Starbucks for many years. I used to be part-owner of a coffee-roasting business. We had the best coffee around. We did lots of mail order. All the coffeeshop owners were pals and all supported each other, and Starbucks appeared on the horizon as a corporate enemy. I also treasured the whole neighborhood coffeeshop scene...all the freaks, hipsters, aspiring poets and folk singers, weirdos, starving students, and University professors...it was all intriguing and colorful.
Well, 6 years ago we moved to another part of town that had no "friendly little neighborhood coffee shops". Plus, there are like 3 Starbucks right next to my school where I work. I began getting Starbucks gift cards from my students and colleagues. Eventually, I caved in. I go twice a week as a treat (not always with a gift card, heh). I still feel guilty about it. But their coffee is really really good (I buy beans sometimes). Very good quality, from a former coffee roaster's point of view. I never get an attitude from those workers. I only go a couple days a week, but they know my name and how I like my chai latte (venti, with extra Chai).
I still miss the small funky coffeeshop scene, and when I travel, or if I'm in our older section of town, I always hit them. Those are coffee drinks made with [i]Soul[/i]. I always feel like my chai latte purchase actually helps the kid behind the counter pay his electric bill that month! Go figure.