What’s so special about Starbucks? That might be the question of the century. I’ve already done a previous post about Starbucks, so I’ll try not to repeat anything from the previous post, but if I do repeat a few things, then it’s because I’m trying really hard to emphasize a particular point. Personally, I find nothing wrong with a chain coffee shop like Starbucks. I’m sure that there are some serious coffee connoisseurs who would disagree and love to kick my ass. I mean I love to hang out, do some work, and talk with some friends at the neighborhood coffee joint. Sometimes I just want to go somewhere close for coffee. What if I need fast, convenient, and delicious service? Within a given city there is bound to be more than a single Starbucks. I don’t mind. The more the merrier. Starbucks has been pretty successful and I’m a definite fan. They’ve undergone a tremendous evolution, capturing an audience worldwide. This post will examine some of the reasons Starbucks has been so successful (at least in my opinion) and then we’ll move on to the food blurb.

If you’ve ever walked into a Starbuck’s you’ve probably experienced their unique style. It’s clean and cozy with a modern twist on the traditional coffee shop. Even though it is modern, the design does not impact the core tradition behind every Starbucks: the coffee. Aesthetically, Starbucks are pleasing to the eye. They’ve taken a really clean and minimalistic style. That’s the new “in” nowadays. Whenever I walk into Starbucks, I feel the hominess of it all. It’s beckoning and inviting, even mesmerizing to a certain extent. Think about it this way. Take an average Starbucks, strip it of the extra chairs, the machinery, and the merchandise. Add a bed and you have yourself a modest house. What more can you ask for?

Don’t just think aesthetics though. There is nothing like the Starbucks atmosphere. Again, it’s that mix of modern and traditional that makes it so appealing. Let me pose a question really quickly: what makes the atmosphere of a coffee shop? Of course it’s the customers, baristas, and the overall “vibe” (so to speak). You can’t begin to classify the atmosphere of Starbucks because it varies by location and it is so diverse. I like to just call it the Starbucks atmosphere. It’s not just important to have top-notch quality drinks and food, it’s also important to have an engaging atmosphere. More than not, the baristas are great at what they do. Their customer service and attitude: unrivaled. When you go to review sites such as Yelp, take a look at the reviews for coffee shops and you’ll see that a lot of users use Starbucks as the basis for their opinion on what a coffee shop SHOULD or SHOULDN’T feel like.

Location, location, location. It’s a integral part of a business and Starbucks seems to know where people want Starbucks. In San Francisco, you can hardly walk a block in the downtown district without running across a few Starbucks. You’ll find Starbucks in almost every mall and city center. If not, then there is probably one incorporated somewhere, perhaps in an office building down the block or even inside the gym. As far as strategy, it’s great because all the hardworking men and women need their caffeine fix. Advertising? What a better way than to get their brand out there than to place as many Starbucks as possible all over the place?

Speaking of advertisement, what about their use if social media? It’s all the rage now. If you aren’t on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, you’re a nobody. Starbucks happens to be a somebody. Not only are they embracing the major and most popular networking sites, they’re everywhere! I don’t regard Foursquare as a major network because in terms of popularity, it’s no Facebook (although for me Foursquare is a major network). Starbucks has great offers for the mayors of participating Starbucks. What a great way to promote and get in touch with the community?

That brings me to my last point about Starbuck’s supremacy. Their level of engagement with customers and the community. Starbucks has always been about community. They’ve never tried to oust that feel from their shops. Whether it’s a quick chat with a barista or the advice they offer to customers, Starbucks satisfies in more than one way. Free AT&T wifi, tables for discussing business, plugs for laptops, and even fundraising events. it’s the Starbucks hub of activity. That’s all I have to say about Starbucks.
Now, onto my drink of the day at Starbucks. It was pretty hot in Davis today so I opted for an iced caramel macchiato. If you’ve been keeping up with this blog, you’ll know that I had this exact same drink at Nordstrom’s Espresso Bar. The Starbuck’s version was a little sweeter (like most of their drinks) , but sill tasty. still deserves an A+.

*//EDIT: 03JUN10 – While at the shopping centre in Woodland, California I came across a Starbucks located inside of a Target. I decided to go for the iced white chocolate mocha. Yum!

*//EDIT: 06JUN10 – Hot day today so I stopped by the neighborhood Starbucks in Davis, California and bought an iced cafe latte. A chilled drink on a hot day!

*//EDIT: 08JUN10 – Yesterday I stopped by the Starbucks in the ARC in Davis, California and just had a regular coffee hot and black. Payed with my rewards card too! More to come about Starbucks Rewards.

Related posts:

1. A yummy cup of joe
2. Starbucks Rewards Card
3. Seattle’s Best Coffee
4. Nordstrom Espresso Bar
5. Starbuck’s Iced Vanilla Latte