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May. 15th, 2007 08:54Did Starbucks kill the local coffee shop?
At the moment, and most other moments for that matter, I say yes. This may be unfair. My local coffee shop/cafe may just have poor business sense. I doubt that's it. In the last 4 years I have lost 3 comfy places to hang out. The most recent being the one closest to my office, The Naked Bean Cafe. They are unfortunately across the street from a Starbucks. I have trouble believing this is not a factor in their eminent closing this Thursday. I do believe in capitalism but, I also believe in buying locally. I hate the continued homogenization of American culture. The similarity of suburbs in N. VA, Kansas City and Southern CA is disturbing. These places should not look the same. (Don't even get me started on the fact that there is a McDonald's across the piazza from the Pantheon in Rome.) Also please remember that buying local isn't just about culture it is also ecologically sound. Local business tends to buy locally for this like baked goods and supplies. This means less shipping distance, hence less fuel/resources consumed. But to be honest my desire for a local shop is selfish. I love a place with flavor and ambiance. Friendly staff with the time and desire to chat. (You want to know how to keep your hair vibrantly pink? Ask the chick behind the counter. ;))
So starting friday I will be perfecting my home brew and spending more time in Encinitas at The E Street Cafe. (Live music every Friday and Saturday, stop in if you're in town)
So the moral of my story. When you get the chance buy local. Go to the non-franchised grocery, join a co-op, support your local coffeehouse. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. (ok not Guarantee but you know what I mean.)
peace + love + coffee
At the moment, and most other moments for that matter, I say yes. This may be unfair. My local coffee shop/cafe may just have poor business sense. I doubt that's it. In the last 4 years I have lost 3 comfy places to hang out. The most recent being the one closest to my office, The Naked Bean Cafe. They are unfortunately across the street from a Starbucks. I have trouble believing this is not a factor in their eminent closing this Thursday. I do believe in capitalism but, I also believe in buying locally. I hate the continued homogenization of American culture. The similarity of suburbs in N. VA, Kansas City and Southern CA is disturbing. These places should not look the same. (Don't even get me started on the fact that there is a McDonald's across the piazza from the Pantheon in Rome.) Also please remember that buying local isn't just about culture it is also ecologically sound. Local business tends to buy locally for this like baked goods and supplies. This means less shipping distance, hence less fuel/resources consumed. But to be honest my desire for a local shop is selfish. I love a place with flavor and ambiance. Friendly staff with the time and desire to chat. (You want to know how to keep your hair vibrantly pink? Ask the chick behind the counter. ;))
So starting friday I will be perfecting my home brew and spending more time in Encinitas at The E Street Cafe. (Live music every Friday and Saturday, stop in if you're in town)
So the moral of my story. When you get the chance buy local. Go to the non-franchised grocery, join a co-op, support your local coffeehouse. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. (ok not Guarantee but you know what I mean.)
peace + love + coffee
