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I'm a little bit of a food snob. Usually, I avoid fast food like anything. But if you've read my posts, much, you may have heard I have a weakness for McDonald's breakfast sandwiches. My husband knows that a Sausage, Egg & Cheese McMuffin is the only way I'll get up when he comes home from his bartending job in the wee hours of the morning. And a McGriddle? Talk about the perfect food to cure what I call a "mommy hangover."And then, there was Starbucks.
Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) started serving breakfast sandwiches a little over a year ago, and surprise! They look oh-so-much exactly like the McMuffin, down to the egg + meat + cheese + English muffin combo.
But, as the New York Times points out today, they don't always taste quite as good as a McDonald Corporation (NYSE:MCD) McMuffin, or the higher art form, the McGriddle. The thing is: you're not going to go to two places for breakfast (unless you're quite the leisure queen *cough* who me? *cough*). So, the theory is, you'll to whatever place does best at the menu item you really value. Love coffee? Starbucks might be your choice. Like greasy sausage (yum)? It'll be McDonald's. (Although many believe McDonald's new-and-improved coffee is better than Starbucks -- for those, the choice is a lot easier.)
Doug Roberts wonders if it's McDonald's chasing Starbucks, or the other way around. I think that's an easy question: Starbucks has always been chasing McDonald's. After all, McDonald's is the king of the category. McDonald's invented fast-service consumables. The real question is, can Starbucks serve up a sandwich worth paying a premium?
In my opinion, the answer is "no." Not yet, anyway. Let McDonald's continue to rule the grill, Starbucks, and you, with your dry uninspiring and floppy sandwiches, can continue to reign over drippy sweet coffee drinks.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-10-2007 @ 1:34PM
Jim said...
Sarah is 100% correct and as a Starbucks fanatic I hate to say that. The advantage of Starbucks is that when one gets used to a product and is happy with the quality you stay. But the new sandwiches are just downright not very tasty compared to McDonalds! I have tried each searching for one I'd like - wanting to find one I like and no dice. Back to the drive through at McDonalds and since I'm there, you know the coffee is tastier so I'll get some and pay for my sandwich with the savings (please, sweet Starbucks mermaid - don't be mad - I still adore you - even if they did take away your curves).
And who's idea was it to put those premade snadwiches in the glass. Reminds me of those plastic lunch meals you see at the fast food Chinese restaurants. Hello??????
1-10-2007 @ 1:49PM
The_Village_Idiot said...
Starbucks will sell a premium breakfast sandwich to the same folks who'll line up to buy an over-priced iPhone.
BTW, Starbucks coffee is the worst on the planet. Give me a black DD anyday. There's a reason Starbucks has to load theirs up with milk foam, cream and sugary toppings. Love their stock but hate their stores/products.
1-10-2007 @ 2:46PM
Fred Gerber said...
The people that frequent Starbuck's are igmorant yuppies that have too much money to spend. When they get laid off from their overpaid job, maybe they'll come down to earth and realize what a buck can buy.
1-10-2007 @ 2:45PM
Fred Gerber said...
The people that frequent Starbuck's are ignorant yuppies that have too much money to spend. Maybe when they get laid off from their overpaid job, they'll realize how far a buck will go and find out there are other good coffee houses around.
1-10-2007 @ 2:35PM
PAOLO said...
TAKE AWAY THE SNOB APPEAL FROM STARBUCKS AND WHAT DO YOU HAVE BUT AN OVERPRICED CUP OF COFFEE. AS FOR STARBUCKS TRYING TO BEAT OUT MCDONALDS IN THE FAST FOOD BUSINESS NEXT THING YOU KNOW THEY'LL TAKE ON PIZZA HUT.
1-10-2007 @ 3:48PM
Marty said...
Above posters have forgoten Dunkin Donuts. Good sandwiches and coffee. Advanytage over Starbucks---You don't need to order in Fritalian. Advantage over McDonalds---The help can count your change.
1-10-2007 @ 3:48PM
Den said...
I grew up with Starbucks (hey..what can i say...former Seattlite). Our family loves it..always have always will! BUT...those Ham,Egg &Cheese McMuffins at MAC's are wonderful. Hmmmm...must be the transfats..i dunno but I NEVER order one at SBUX.
After three, count em (3)....by-pass heart surgeries, i think i probably should leave the MAC sandwiches alone...stick with the Starbucks (no lattes....just coffee..black thank you.
1-10-2007 @ 4:03PM
Suzie said...
YUPPIE? I drink Starbucks because I like the coffee. I also have a good job, make good money and am being layed off at the end of January. I'm not a yuppie though, and to tell you the truth if it wasn't for the GIFT CARDS that I get from family and friends I couldn't afford it. By the way I know how to spend my money wisely that is why I don't spend my own! I'm not ignorant and I am cheap. So research a little further before your classify the world of over priced coffee drinkers, please.
1-11-2007 @ 12:43PM
jsw said...
Sarah, or anyone - have you looked into who supplies McD's "Premium, Richer & Bolder 100% Arabica Beans"?