I haven't commented on the article I saw in the Wall Street Journal, and I say "saw" because there's something about reading the Wall Street Journal that sends chills up my spine, about Starbucks expanding into other areas, food service to be exact. Some Starbucks cafes serve breakfast sandwiches? Is that true? Why would Starbucks do that?
It's Starbucks Coffee Company, not Starbucks Rip-Off-McDonald's-Egg-McMuffin Company.
I take it from this turn in marketing strategy that Starbucks executives think they need some new gimmick -- putting the cleavage back on the mermaid wasn't enough. Serving breakfast sandwiches is not the answer. The minute that my Starbucks starts serving breakfast sandwiches is when I stop going there. I don't want to be smelling sausage, egg, and cheese bagels getting reheated in the oven ... that's fucking with me too much.
What they're doing is getting away from doing one particular thing particularly well. Do they honestly think that the business is going to increase by a substantial amount by serving reheated Egg McMuffins? I'm disappointed that Starbucks serves pastries that are thawed out the morning they are served for $1.75 each. That is shameful, but I overlook that.
What I won't overlook is being forced to watch some wool-blend suit stuffing a breakfast sandwich in his mouth and talking on his cell phone as I'm opening the door. What I won't overlook is the smell of pork sausage and burning cheese in Starbucks Coffee Company. I won't be a customer there.
Perhaps, Starbucks should return to its roots -- unless abandoning the concept of doing one particular thing particularly well and gravitating toward mediocrity in all Starbucks does is considered progress.
Posted by Bill at March 2, 2007 01:45 PMDude (or Bill!) you said it! Just sell coffee. When I first saw the sign I believe I uttered something although I don't recall I couldn't hear my thoughts because of the Mr. Loud/Look at Me I Do Business Talker in line behind me.
Oh the pain..
Posted by: charm at March 2, 2007 10:27 PMBe very careful what you say here though, bud. Is there somewhere else close by that you can GET your good coffee in the morning? I mean I know all about OurBucks and how wonderful it is, but still, it is good to be able to go out and get your coffee at times - to be out and about and in the company of your neighbors at times. To walk into the local java house and have them know your special drink before you reach the counter...
Never say never...
Posted by: Keri at March 4, 2007 08:18 PM