Why Is Starbucks So Popular? Other Coffee Shops?

[Joe]

Here I am at Starbucks, using their free wi-fi. Starbucks is fairly full, even at 9:30 at night. There is another coffee shop called The Well. It is a non-profit but otherwise similar to Starbucks. It is often impossible to find a seat when you go there.

What (in your opinion) accounts for the amazing popularity of Starbucks and similar places?

 

[Andy_T]

To me it is quite simple.

In Asia, it is one of the few places where I know I can get a soy cappucchino and am not limited to black coffee.
In other places, where I know other coffeeshops that offer vegan options, I would not see a preference for Starbucks (in many cases, I would likely try to go for cheaper options, as Starbucks is quite expensive)

 

[Second Summer]

I think it's because they provide a much needed service or space which is otherwise in short supply. It's a place where you can relax (if you want), you can use the wi-fi, meet friends or be alone, observe other people, and of course drink coffee, which is our society's number one legal drug. They provide all this at a satisfactory or better level. (The wi-fi actually works, the coffee is good (I assume), the staff is friendly etc.) It's also a well-known brand with a good reputation.

 

[Andy_T]

The wifi does not work so well in Asia, unless you have a local phone and can read the language...

And, to be honest, if I was in my home country, I would have a mobile contract with a sizeable data package anyway. If I am traveling as a tourist, that is when I need it.

 

[KLS52]

I do not see the appeal of the actual "coffee" at Starbucks. I think it is horrid and tastes like it's burned. I do think the variety of flavors has something to do with it. I agree about it being well known with good reputation. It was a novelty at first and once it caught on it just took off and became very trendy. People flock to trendy things.

I love the idea of a "coffee house". I remember having a bookstore in town that had a coffee shop. I thought that was quite clever. Can't remember the name...I'm stuck...not Barnes and Noble but I think it began with a B. Sadly, it closed.

 

[KLS52]

Borders!

 

[shyvas]

I do not see the appeal of the actual "coffee" at Starbucks. I think it is horrid and tastes like it's burned. I do think the variety of flavors has something to do with it. I agree about it being well known with good reputation. It was a novelty at first and once it caught on it just took off and became very trendy. People flock to trendy things.

I love the idea of a "coffee house". I remember having a bookstore in town that had a coffee shop. I thought that was quite clever. Can't remember the name...I'm stuck...not Barnes and Noble but I think it began with a B. Sadly, it closed.

Same here. I have only ever been to two Starbucks : one in Passadena and another one in Victoria BC. I didn't like the coffee and it wasn't strong enough. Even the espresso in Victoria was so so and they ask you how many shots you want even in an espresso !

However, I can seep why the concept is appealing as they have them all over major town (except for over here) and it is also a place where people seem to either socialise or read newspapers.

 

[Moll Flanders]

I am not a fan of coffee so I have only been in Starbucks a handful of times. They used to do a vegan sandwich as I recall. I think it has a nice ambience in there but I can't say whether the coffee is any good as I wouldn't know a good cup of coffee from a bad one. They all taste bitter to me unless they are loaded with sugar.

 

[PTree15]

I agree with the previous assessments. I initially started going there because they offered soy lattes (I'm traditionally a Dunkin' Donuts girl, lol), but I really got used to the stronger flavors, so much so that I quite enjoy them now. DD started offering almond milk, and I will frequent DD for iced coffee, but their lattes aren't very good. And when I do get the DD iced coffee, I have to get dark roast and shot of espresso, or I won't like it. I do like that I can go to Starbucks and chill if I want and no one will bother you. It's also great to meet friends there, especially if you're not into hanging out at clubs, which can be very noisy.

 

[beancounter]

What (in your opinion) accounts for the amazing popularity of Starbucks and similar places?

Caffeine.

 

[Andy_T]

Yeah, I have to admit, I always go for an extra espresso shot with my cappuccino at Starbucks.

But, when I make cappuccino or cafe latte at home on my own espresso machine, I always start with a double espresso, as well....

 

[shyvas]

Yeah, I have to admit, I always go for an extra espresso shot with my cappuccino at Starbucks.

But, when I make cappuccino or cafe latte at home on my own espresso machine, I always start with a double espresso, as well....

I also have a double espresso at home. It's needless to say that at Starbucks you really need the double shot as coffee is so weak in north America.

Just stating not admitting the fact that good coffee has to be strong.

 

[ledboots]

Caffeine.

And some sort of status for paying ridiculous amounts of money for a beverage. (Can tell I'm not a coffee drinker, eh?)

 

[KLS52]

I had my first Starbucks, in five years, just last week...had to try a soy graham latte. Ordered a small and it rang up, $5.26...I thought I was going to pass out, lol. I literally stood there, motionless, for a few seconds. But I should have known better. Sad thing is, it wasn't very good. I expected it to taste like graham crackers but it didn't. [emoji45]

 

[Moll Flanders]

I suppose some people see a coffee from a cafe as a treat in their day, wakes you up in the morning if you are going to work. I always think buying a cup of tea is ridiculously overpriced whenever I've bought one in a cafe. I started to just bring my reusable water bottle with me if I was eating in a cafe as I'm cheap, I mean frugal. I don't mind handing money over for alcohol though.

 

[SuicideBlonde]

I am not a Starbucks fan. The coffee is gross, it is way too corporate and it takes forever to get the drink. It is super expensive. I worked at a corporate book store coffee place when I was younger. It was a fun job. I would make myself a black coffee with a **** of expresso every day I worked.

 

[Calliegirl]

I only go to Starbucks when I have a gift card, and even then, not very often. I still have around half of a $50 GC I got almost a year ago. I usually order decaf Frappuccinos or ice coffee, I'm not really a hot coffee drinker.

 

[Joe]

I only go to Starbucks when I have a gift card, and even then, not very often. I still have around half of a $50 GC I got almost a year ago. I usually order decaf Frappuccinos or ice coffee, I'm not really a hot coffee drinker.

I just had my first espresso, ever. I really didn't like it. Way too bitter. And a tiny amount for $2.

 

[Joe]

One other thing about Starbucks. They play fairly lousy muzak most of the time. And they play it LOUD!

Turn down the volume 30 to 50 percent, please.

 

[Amy SF]

I'm not really a regular coffee or tea drinker. Although I have several Starbucks gift cards, I've had them for a while. I don't go out of my way to go to Starbucks. On the rare occasion I go, I get either hot or iced caffe mocha (because chocolate always makes coffee better) or green tea lemonade.