It's not really a secret that with the economy sliding ever further into the toilet every day, places like Starbucks are struggling to turn a profit. Just last summer, they had to close something like 600 of their stores nationwide. But I'm not sure this is the way to fix that.
According to
this article, a couple of Starbucks locations in Seattle are taking a new approach to try and break out of their funk. These locations are getting rid of any and all Starbucks logos, operating as so-called "local coffee shops." However, more importantly, in addition to selling coffee and tea,
these stores will also have wine and beer.
Here's the problem with this: last I checked,
the people going to Starbucks weren't really in the mood for wine or beer. I'm just a little confused as to the crowd this appeals to: people who stay out all night drinking, pass out, and need a cup of coffee for a hangover in the morning... at the same place? And if that were the case, wouldn't these Starbucks locales need to add beds too?
On the other hand, if this does catch on, well, maybe a bottle of beer is exactly what we need first thing in the morning before work.
What do you guys think about Starbucks adding beer and wine to its menu?
Comments (23)
eh. Don't like StarBucks that much. But I'd definitely have to buy one and bring it to school hahahha
Honestly, Starbucks has been doomed to bankruptcy for a long time. Here in cow country, I can't find a single person who even cares about a cup of cappuccino in the morning... the company needs to get real if they want to appeal to average people....
Good for them. Personally, I don't like Starbucks anything. I have literally thrown up after drinking their smoothies on two separate occasions. Oh, and I don't like beer.
Sometimes, alcohol is what I need to cope with work that morning. Too bad I'd get in trouble if I did it.
If they had good beer (Sam Adams, Guinness, etc.) I'd maybe go there. Otherwise, forget it.
"These locations are getting rid of any and all Starbucks logos, operating as so-called "local coffee shops." Seriously??? That's kind of messed up...
Knowing starbucks, a bottle of beer is going to be 200-500% of supermarket price =(
umm. "coffee shop" what?
well, business is business. They should do whatever it takes to gain it
Here in southern california starbucks is doing just fine. I guess it's the rest of the country bringing it down.
Eh...
I agree with @ordinary_gir1@xanga though. Business is business. Anything to get profit.
I don't think it's a bad idea. I actually live down the street from an actual local coffee shop that sells beer and wine in addition to coffee and tea. I think it might be quite handy.
a bottle of beer in the morning is lovely.
:D
hahah i think it'd be weird if Starbucks started selling drink though. O_O
"coming to starbucks for a pint?" it just doesn't work.
You don't need to be in any mood for beer, you just take a look and you want it
@abilene_piper_lg@xanga - Agreed! They charge us four dollars for a cup of coffee, why not spend a bit extra to stock real beer.
@itwaswritteninblood@xanga - Try Smithwicks. It will 'work' as you say.
@DrAgoNTorrent_265@xanga - Forreal, that's really fcked up. =(
Uh...it's a coffee shop. I can understand if they sold things like Irish coffee, Irish creme, coffee with amaretto, etc, but wine and beer? That just doesn't seem to add up.
wrong
starbucks will lose their identity if they add beer to the menu. bad for business.
Starbucks seems to be doing wonderfully here... granted I live in the Seattle area, where it first started. I LOVE Starbucks, and hang out there all the time even. I think it's just a geographic cultural thing. Anyway, to the point, I wouldn't mind if they started serving alcohol. Just as long as it doesn't turn into a bar, and omitting customers under legal drinking age. Though I wonder about the "dropping Starbucks logos"... doesn't that mean they're no longer part of the company?
Dumbest idea ever.
Sounds like a good idea.
Coffee in the day time and beer in the night time. sounds sweet
if they're going to add that stuff then they might as well have hard liquor too. otherwise i'm not interested.
Not much of a beer drinker(or any alcohol for that matter) but overpaying for it just like ppl overpay for their coffee when Dunkin Doughnuts and 711 has been said to give them a run for their money in national taste-tests?
Seems like they need to chill out and just focus on coffee and coffee related goods. to put things in perspective - would you buy a Michelobe or Absolute latte?
... YaY for being drunk at work.
i guess they're just trying another tatic so avoid closing the company down all together.
whatever works but starbucks is known for their crazy prices so i'm def not paying $15 for a beer or wine .. eff that.