I live on the edge of a major city and there is not one Starbucks anywhere near anywhere I go. I do, however, pass an average of three Wawas everywhere I go. So that's where I get my coffee.

My dad tried once. He asked the counter girl, "So, do you have just a medium roast coffee?" She says, "Um, what?" He says, "A medium roast. Like, not a really dark roast, but not a really light roast either--just medium. Is there something like that on the menu?"

She stares blankly at him and responds, "Sir, I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

It was like he was trying to ask her about the stock market or something, and why would he possibly expect her to know anything about that when she works at Starbucks? It was just like that--except for the fact that he was asking her about coffee.

I am very happy to hear that you are choosing to support local coffee shops instead of starsucks. I am a barista and have always worked for independant shops...in all honesty I expect better coffee from the locally owned stands/cafes because from what I've seen, our espresso is actually ground, tamped and poured by us...starbucks has one kajunga machine that basically does everything for you...and maybe it's just me but I've never liked the taste of starbucks coffee...

I think Caribou is mostly just the Midwest, and a few Eastern states (and DC, I guess, according to their website). It started in Minneapolis, so that's why there are piles of 'em here in particular. It's still a chain, for sure. And you're right: I don't think the local shops are getting killed by Caribou (or by Dunn Bros., for that matter--another Cities-originated chain, although almost all of their shops are locally-owned and operated franchisees, and they roast their beans in-house at each of the shops, and I think the original owner still runs the first store over by Macalester College in Saint Paul--so it's a warmer-fuzzier chain ). But yeah, I hear what you're saying.

Those chains might not be as predatory as Starbucks seems to be, though.

Also, I think both have far better coffee than Starbucks.

Also, Caribou locations in the Cities are almost always paired with Bruegger's Bagels locations, and I fucking love Bruegger's.

haha, I work at starbucks.

Starbucks OWNS Washington DC I'm convinced. I use to live in Northern VA/DC and I knew of only 2 Caribous. Haven't been to a Dunn Bros. though. Guess I should try it out.

in the past few years a number of artisan coffee roasters have opened on The Jersey Shore, and they put starbucks to shame. Once people taste craft roasted origin coffees they don't go back.

or roast your own. it's easy, it's fun, and there is nothing better than drinking your own coffee.

It's been one whole day and no Starbucks. Yay me!

Also, you're looking at the person who just goes in there and gets a regular cup of coffee. I don't like all the sugary stuff and it's too expensive..etc.etc.

Although I'm not sure why anybody with a decent "mom and pop" place available would frequent a starbuck's anyway, the simple answer to all of this is: A, don't go there, pretty much everything about them, including the music, sucks. B: The mom and pop places probably aren't that much more money than starbuck's; if it's really that important to you, spend the extra cash or make it yourself...

I've never even stepped foot into a Starbucks in my life. Ever. Mostly due to my intense dislike of coffee.

that's what baffles the mind: in my experience most mom and pop places sell coffee, tea, etc for less. starbucks is more popular due only to convenience and brand recognition, not because it's better or cheaper. considering how simple the ingredients are for most of the starbucks drinks, i still wonder how they can get off on charging so much. i spend a dollar a day on coffee here on base, no cream, no sugar, and it's all i need to get to work. why people need to spend more for a kick of caffeine, i dunno.

As a barista at an independent shop, I approve of this article.

Fuck Starbucks.

for myself, a Starbucks is actually the closest coffeeshop to my apartment. It's literally (and I literally mean "literally") a three minute walk from my front door. it's also right next door to my grocery store, so I go there quite a bit.

There is another coffee shop about a mile down the street that I like to go to as well, but I don't go there as frequently.

I know the people at the Starbucks near where I live pretty well. Well enought that when my girlfriend and I walk in the conversation actually sounds like
"the usual, Dave, or are you going to have a latte instead?"
"I'll just get my macciato, thanks, Greg"
"No problem...where's Katy?"
"I stabbed her to death and stuffed her under a tree...oh wait! you mean my girlfriend...she's making dinner..."
"okay. I won't tell her about the other one when I see her."
"I appreciate that."

anyway. my point was...that Starbucks IS my local coffeeshop. I don't tend to go to other Starbucks.

From what I've gotten, Starbucks has is a pretty good employer, supports fair trade and ecological responsibility (as far as it can. arguments that the WTO and national governments are not environmental doesn't really fall onto Starbucks' shoulders).

Yes they are ubiquitous to the point of being annoying (and worse THE MAN).
I would prefer them to go into partnerships with local coffeeshops and allow them to maintain thier individuality while serving Starbucks coffee.

and as far as the "their coffee sucks! I can't believe people drink it! they must be mindless, tasteless, automatons!" shouldn't you be over in the Music board?

Caribou is pretty new in DC. There's been one in Silver Spring for a couple of years.
Dunkin Donuts is starting to move into the District as well.

my local shop is only open from noon - 5pm. closed on weekends, and during winter they're closed on mondays too. so it makes it a little harder to frequent them.