SFist: Why, Starbucks, Whhhhyyyyyy???

Arnaud H

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:36:00 -0800

Their beans are not "inferior" - that is ridiculous. The issue with Starbucks quality comes from other things: for instance, the introduction in the 80s of the 5 lbs. bags. Peet's makes it a policy to brew coffee every 20 minutes and their beans have always been freshly roasted nearby. Starbucks can't afford that, so their coffee (and their beans) are not always as fresh. But their beans are not "inferior". I'm pretty sure I could organize a blind tasting of different coffees including Starbucks' and the SBX haters who claim to be connaisseurs would not be able to recognize their most hated brew.

rroseselavy

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:30:40 -0800

I applaud their efforts, but can't help but wonder why they don't care that the kiosk, bookstore, and airport Starbuckses will continue to serve rotgut. Say what you will about the coffee, I have overall experienced pretty good customer service at Starbucks. Less surly than the indie breed.

mpantone

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:47:18 -0800

Not likely. The problem starts with their beans. Go ahead, buy a pound of Starbucks coffee. From a Starbucks cafe or a grocery store, it doesn't matter. Take those beans home and brew up a batch. Several batches. Use an espresso machine, paper filter, French press, stovetop espresso maker, etc. It doesn't really matter how it's made, Starbucks coffee is inferior because the beans are inferior. Let's face it. The Starbucks employees are being trained on how to mix grape Kool-Aid. Or maybe that's non-fat, soy-milk, decaf chai, venti Kool-Aid with cinnamon.

junk

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:40:05 -0800

it's not only their donuts-- it's their coffee. check out their mega espresso machines. Their big, strong & fast. excellent for fast food service but bad for coffee. coffee ends up tasting burnt. check it out...

Brock Keeling

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:28:35 -0800

why are their donuts so plastic-tasting? this concerns me.

xyz123

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:34:56 -0800

People of San Francisco go to Starbucks? I don't work downtown so I wouldn't know. Closest one to me is in a gas station at 9th and Folsom.

generati

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:23:26 -0800

Starbucks to begin Sinister Phase Two That's the real reason.