OF COURSE I KNOW THAT.
Occasionally, that same person (or someone else) will try to tell me that, “Coffee is coffee,” or “A lot of people like McDonalds better than Starbucks.”
Because at that point I generally suffer from a rage blackout, I am going to clearly and calmly explain why I go to Starbucks instead of Dunkin right here… RIGHT NOW.
- Baristas. Starbucks treats their employees like people, and that means their employees treat their customers like people as well. When I go in, I am greeted with a hello. I see familiar faces, not faces that change out on a monthly basis. Somehow, through all of this, I know that my drink is being made with care. Somehow, seeing the same faces and getting to know the people behind the bar, I trust them with my coffee experience.
- Yes. My drink is expensive. But some of that money is going awesome places. Tuition reimbursement for employees, benefits for baristas, or testing and improvement of equipment. At Starbucks I have never tasted a “bad batch” or “stale coffee”. Quality is important, and I appreciate that.
- Ambiance. To go through the drive thru is one thing, but to sit in a Starbucks store is an experience. With the reliable internet, sweet aroma, and relaxing background noise… Starbucks has created an oasis perfect for productivity or even for a chat with a friend.
- Stability. My drink tastes the same from coast to coast. I realize that the same could be said for other coffee chains, but I disagree. Some places are a little freer with the syrups or creamers, others don’t understand the word “skim”… at any Starbucks I walk into, I know that while the baristas aren’t my regular ones, they are coffeemakers of the Starbucks caliber and they will craft my drink to the standard I hold it to.
Question: Do I take my coffee seriously?
Answer: for $5.00/drink, you bet I do.
This is not open for debate. I do not need to hear about how much money I am wasting, how terrible of a corporation Starbucks is, or how much I need to change my habits. Never in the HISTORY of social media debates has anyone changed their minds on something because of a nasty comment. The words “Dunkin” or “Frappe’s at McDonalds” HURT PEOPLE’S FEELINGS and I will NOT STAND IDLY BY AND BE PART OF THAT.
Thank you for your consideration.