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darkfyre_muse ([personal profile] darkfyre_muse) wrote2007-05-15 08:54 am
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Did 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

[identity profile] georgie-bird.livejournal.com 2007-05-15 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
The fact that Starbucks makes the worst tasting coffee on the planet is another huge reason to boycot them. I refuse to buy from them at all.

[identity profile] darkfyre-muse.livejournal.com 2007-05-15 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
There's that too. Yet far be it for me to tell people what good taste is. (Oh wait that is the perogitive of one who is a pain in the ass. Namely me.)

[identity profile] leonatos.livejournal.com 2007-05-15 06:53 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm very happy that Starbucks has not yet come to Ireland. So very happy. Yes, these big evil franchise eateries are killing off the local independent ones, so you really have to support your local shop.

One good thing about Europe is that some countries are resisting Globalisation, either with a passion or just because things are better there. These countries include France and Germany. Ireland, on the other hand, is seen as the most open towards globalisation. I need to learn German....

I put it all down to apathy and the feeling of entitlement, the kind that has been seeping into the hearts and minds of people, and is especially thick amongst people of my generation. It's horrible. Makes me want to to strap myself into a giant robot and level a few corporate offices with some well placed blows.

[identity profile] imaginarycanary.livejournal.com 2007-05-15 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I call this kind of globalization "consumerism" not "capitalism." I'm not a member of a business think-tank. It's just what I think. :)