I have often thought of Starbucks as the "Disney" of the coffee
world. I mean this in every positive sense of the word.
Every time I walk into a Starbucks, I feel refreshed rejuvenated, and
MAN, SMELL THAT CAFFEINE!
They take a lot of pride in how they create their brews, and it
shows. Many people out there feel that they burn their coffee beans,
and that all they can taste are ashes.
When you taste something like Starbucks coffee, you have to train your taste buds to get past the coffee taste. When the description says something like, "full of berry and chocolate notes", don't merely dismiss a reserve style brew as another every day coffee.
Indeed, the Starbucks preferred method of drinking coffee is french
press. When was the last time you had one? It truly does bring out
the most flavor in the brew.
When you are browsing around at the different blends, and you see that they are from different regions of the world, they are segregated for a reason. If you want something more balanced, as opposed to more sharp, than you had better look toward the Americas. If you want something more deep and earthy, then set your taste for farther east. And, if you wish deep sophistication, look no further than a French Roast.
As much as they think about their coffee is just as much as how they
think about their design - in every respect. Did you ever think about
how amazing it is that each location looks very different from every
other location? Some have more reds. Others more greens. Others
more browns. Some are more chic, while others are more colloquial
in feel. Their ultimate goal is to create a sense of community
through their locations. It's an office, a meeting place, a fine
dining establishment, and a personal comfort zone all in one! And,
indeed, it operates successfully on all of those levels.
In addition to all of this, every three months, or so, they come out
with a new line of drinks, and transform their space. Currently, they
have further come to recognize their global stance in the marketplace, and create a spin on their teas. The best out of the bunch, in my opinion, is the London Fog (with soy!). From Europe to Japan, and points in between, through color, taste, texture, and smell, they have created another unique and transformative experience.
Just as their coffees and teas are quality, so is their merchandise.
From special edition french presses to seasonal mugs, to very smart
things like french press specific timers (for an optimum brew, it's
four minutes), they always seem to have every tool for the job. It's
all quality, and it's all well worth it.
If you go a lot, I can't recommend the Starbucks Gold Card quite
enough. You will get ten percent off of your order every time you
present your card, and you get special announcements and coupons in the mail - ahead of everyone else.
As much as the above would have been enough, they don't stop there!
They have finally licked their problem with their wireless internet
connections that were going to waste, due to the high connect fees. I
am finally glad that they realize that if you keep your guest inside
the store long enough, they may just order another drink, or two!
Currently, one is able to connect to the internet for two hours a day,
on the house.
Along with Apple Inc., they give away music on a daily basis, and have their music that they play in the stores available through iTunes.
In terms of what may seem like a goal of every ten feet, I don't mind
them saturating the market as they do. They are clearly leaders in
their field, and others should follow. If more followed their very
unique formula for success, then, well, humanity would be propelled
farther.
So, go! Reflect upon what I have said here next time you are at your
local Starbucks sipping your favorite brew!
