Starbucks: the good, the bad, the hungry
I have to say something about Starbucks – the corporate coffee giant does internet right in so far that their partnership with T-Mobile works flawlessly. Traveling around Chicago today I’ve stopped in at several different Starbucks and the internet access has worked great. Sadly, it is a pay service but T-Mobile provides several ways to get the service including a 24-hour unlimited plan for $9.99. In addition I haven’t had any problems locating seating near an outlet, so I don’t have to deplete my laptop batteries. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that I’ve realized that I hate Starbucks coffee. I’ve drank four cups at four different Chicago locations today and it all tastes burned. Yuck – I can’t get rid of that taste. I should have brought my tooth brush.
The Starbucks are all consistently busy due to Black Friday today. This morning I spoke with an employee at one of the Michigan Avenue stores who noted that the store is usually empty at 5:30 in the morning, but not today. And I find this interesting because it reminds me that there is a whole other segment of retail that I’ve been missing throughout the day: restaurants and cafes. These places also see increased business on Black Friday, although their business models probably mean they are profitable throughout the year whereas many other retailers rely on the shopping season to put them into the black.
Speaking of restaurants – would it kill Starbucks to add some new lines of edible goods? I’m so sick of blueberry muffins and biscotti.