Bigger than McDonald's? Yes, bigger than McDonald's

Starbucks: The Cadillac of Coffee.

Ha!!

A reader above insisted that the product *needs* to be synonymous with all its look-alikes; i.e., xerox, kleenex, clorox. How about being able to carve yourself a niche as being *never* a waste of money because it is *always* the best. Quality is a hot commodity. If you believe you're buying the absolute best product, there is no way that you'll ever feel ripped-off.

And Starbucks coffee is delicious! I'm in. Where do I sign.

I like Starbucks ( alot-bucks coffee) but in the long run , McD's will win out. McD's caters to kids and parents. Now that I am a parent and no longer allowed to truly indulge myself, I actually enjoy going to McD's to take the kids there and I must say that their coffee is very good. Mcd's is timeless because it is generational. I actually get insightful thoughts watching my kids enjoying Happy Meals. It takes me back when I was a kid myself!

Starbucks' service gets an A grade. McDonalds service grade? Starbucks doesn't just serve regular and decaf coffee. If you don't like the taste of their regular blends, you can get them to make what you want to. The stores and service cost you to get that A grade experience. Its all done very smart. I didn't say it was a cheap cup of coffee, but what I get is a custom drink and McDonalds can't do that. You get what you pay for.

They have just built a Starbucks in Williamsport PA. My wife & I drink a cup of Dunkin Dunut coffee in our home every day. We started to try Starbucks of few years ago. Back then we only saw Starbucks on vacation. The thoughts I had then are different then now. When we went there the first time. I had sticker shock when I saw the price. Since we was on vaction I thought who cares everything is over priced. We had the Breakfast blend with sugar & cream. The coffee was strong but good. My wife & I booth agreed that Dunkin donuts tasted better. The tasty treats Starbucks has are a nice special treat on vacation. I was thinking I would not like anything stronger than the Breakfast blend for the first few years. Since they have a Starbucks close to us. I stop to get a treat with my sons in the morning. I have enjoyed the houseblend in the one that is close. When I sit there & watch the customers come in & order. I learned that there is a lot of work making fancy coffee. The machines they use cost more than the average home is willing to pay. Starbucks has a nice feel to it when sitting inside. It is a nice to take your time and enjoy a treat with the coffee. I would buy the housblend for my home use. If the price was more competive. I think Starbucks will keep growing. Starbucks price does not seem so high to me, after paying over $2.00 a gallon for gas.

For a happy meal - morning, noon or night - try
PANERA!

Coffee taste, like any food or beverage is personal. Why are we debating the taste of Starbucks? They obviously have fans as the stock market shows. The too strong or to bitter comments really mean too strong or bitter for the writer. For those of you that buy Starbucks because it is "hip" to do, but yet do not like the flavor, I believe you have been riding entirely too many horses in the heat of the miday sun.

Starbucks isn't McDonalds, with the same boring blend day after day. There are some coffees of the day I just don't care for. But that doesn't mean I hate all Starbucks. I like going in there, having barista's who remember my drink, my name. And I buy their beans to brew at home. Yes, you can get a cheaper cup of coffee-- and its coffee, so you'll get your morning caffiene. Just like the shirt on my back didn't have to come from Saks. I mean, its a nice cotton shirt-- I could have bought it at Goodwill. And the Goodwill shirt provides the same function at this one. But don't see me changing my clothing habits.

I find it ammusing that people who go
to Starbucks think they are cool and hip??
I am curious how they stay in buiness since every
person who enjoys coffee hates Starbucks??
And I understand from a very good inside source
that thier corprate culture of carrying for thier
employees and the environment is a bunch of crap.

Well, one of the simple pleasures in life I guess. Caffiene rush and all. But can someone explain why people I know spend enough money on this so-so coffee to pay their light bill every month? Not only does it add to many peoples' over-stretched budgets, it also adds to their ever expanding hip size. Just had to give it up!

I go to Starbucks a couple of times a week and get a quad shot cappuccino. It is strong and I like it that way. The service and products are very consistant. I rather pay more and know what I'm getting. Strong is good!

TRIED STARBUCKS AND DID NOT LIKE IT. TRIED MCDONALD'S MANY YEARS AGO AND GO BACK QUITE OFTEN. IT MAY NOT BE THE BEST
BUT ALWAYS BETTER THAN MOST AND BEST PRICES IN TOWN.

Personally, I don't care for the taste of Starbucks and I've never had McDonald's coffee. The real test will be to see if Starbucks can keep up the quality on the items being added. Besides, McDonalds has Ronald, what does Starbucks have?

It's fun to go to Starbucks occasionally...kinda like seeing how the "other side" lives...yes, the coffee is quite good, but not worth a special trip to overspend for a cup of coffee that I can make better at home in my French press. I get a kick out of seeing the patrons with various and sundry mechanical devices attached to their ears...and having conversations which appear to be being conducted with air (whoops, I missed that earpiece!)
I can't see comparing Starbucks in any way with McDonalds, though. Totally different entities in my opinion. Both will survive with the aid of those who pick up a cup of latte in the a.m. on their way to the office, and take the kids to Mickey D's after a long hard day at work. Live and let live I say.

Most of the current Starbuck locations are too small to accomodate any serious growth in their dining rooms. I think Panera is a better choice for a growth company, their locations are already layed out for diners and they also have a great cup of coffee at a reasonable price.

I have tried several of Starbucks Coffee drinks and havent found even one that is not to bitter to drink, also it is way overpriced.

First cup of Starbucks I had was in a restaurant... I didn't drink it all. After several tries at many restaurants (in Seattle) to get a good cup of coffee I succeded. It was starbucks... much to my supprise, it was mild, not strong, and not bitter. I asked the waiter what brand it was and he said Starbucks.... but NOT the house blend that most reataurants use. I now enjoy Starbucks "other" blends and really enjoy the service and atmosphere in there stores. It is all part of the experience and what I am willing to pay for. They are willing to do it your way.... IF you ask them to!

I'm collecting ideas from you all on how to compete with Starbucks for your coffee needs. So far you've told me:
- Free internet access
- No burnt-tasting coffee (McD's is OK?!)
- Friendly service
- Relaxed atmosphere
What else will get you to come my Mom & Pop noname coffee shop when Starbucks is across the street?

Don't know if anyone knows this or not, McDonald's is a franchise company, offering a great opportunity to entrepenuer's. Starbucks, from what I've been told is NOT a franchise company, therefore there is no comparison. If I am incorrect here, please, someone let me know.
Anyway, I like both of them for different reasons.

hmm I hate coffee. Can't stand the taste of it. But have you actually looked at the drive up line at Starbucks? It usually has 1-3 cars..all the time. That doesn't include the people inside. My wife goes with a few of her friends regularly. The prices are outrageous.. and there’s the rub. The profit margin is huge. If you commented negatively on the article, I question your business sense. Starbucks is more like Harley Davidson. It has the same passionate statements. You love it or hate it. The end result is that it has a very, very profitable niche product. And the taste? It all taste's like mud water regardless of who brews it. But that doesn’t matter if your looking to make money. Ask those saps that passed up on Harley when it was in a low ball condition.