Before I climb up on my soap box and begin my rant, let me say to any of you that might feel offended, too damn bad, grow a thicker skin and check yourself.
I live in Houston Texas and as according to Lewis Black the end of the universe. You see Starbucks has two stores here right across the street from each other and both are doing a booming business.
My biker friends and I have all tried Starbucks and although their coffee is ok it isn’t any better than any coffee we have found in the Mom & Pop Coffee shops around town and in our experience the service at Mom & Pop is always better.
Why then is Starbucks running the competition out of business? Two reasons, first they buy in much larger bulk so they can buy much cheaper than the small stores, and second they sell their product for the same price thus netting a higher profit.
I have done a small unofficial survey over the last few years and when ask why they buy from a such a big company instead of the young couple trying to make a living and raise their family, most often they say they don’t know.
Well I do, the next time you are near a Starbucks notice all the BMW, Lexus, Hummers, and high end SUVs as well as the over dressed soccer moms in mini vans that are in attendance. They all have one thing in common. They are seeking the Cachet they think is attached to ordering their coffee in Italian sizes. They somehow think this means they are living “grande”.
How sad, if they were saving money, getting a better product or receiving better service then I would say that it is just healthy competition. But to put Mom & Pop out of business for Imaginary status is just a very sad commentary on our value system at work.
Do you think that the real wealthy people while on Martha’s Vineyard or at the Hamptons sip coffee at Starbucks. I doubt it, they have their favorite Mom & Pop. Instead of cachet my friend you should receive a sticker that says, Wannabe.
So the next time you feel the need to go have a cup of coffee with your friends, may I recommend your local Mom & Pop. Order a large and take the time to get to know the family. Life is too short.
The Demonmaster
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Hey Rick! I did it. I bookmarked your website, so I can just jump over here each day. You should be proud to know this is my first bookmark attempt. I truly enjoy all your posts.
I hear ya on this one. WalMart came to town five years ago. Within two years four family owned businesses went down. Our Western wear store, both sporting goods stores and the only shoe store.
Over the years about six coffee houses have opened and closed. One survives, solely because she works so hard, and operates out of an airstream trailer. Starbucks would never make it here.
There is a great bit in Blue Highways where he judged the cafes by the number of small business’ calendars that hung on the wall. We have a five calendar cafe here, Pippos. Ya wanna find out what’s up? You have breakfast at Pippos.
Keep up the great posts. You may be working on something bigger here.
Take care, Donna
Hi Rick,
I recently found your contact info on a card that I had misplaced for a few months. Our paths crossed precisely at one of those “mom and pop” coffee shops in Houston virtually across the street from 2 starbucks locations!
At any rate, your beautiful site here is now bookmarked and I look forward to our future correspondence. I hope you’re doing well, my friend!
Cheers,
John.