Starbucks will reopen a testing ground store dubbed "Olive Way" in Seattle's trendy Capital Hill neighborhood, with a menu that offers wine from the Pacific Northwest's vineyards and beer from local craft brewers. In addition, this 2,500-square-foot shop which reopen in the fall, will have espresso machines in the middle and a different decor.
The coffee theater's counters will be narrower to bring customers closer to baristas; the machines will brew one cup at a time to extract deeper flavor from beans; and the menu will be bigger, full of savory foods that pair with coffee, wine and beer, the Associated Press reports.
Many critics complain that Starbucks has lost its unique environment and image and should go back to its roots. This new attempt may help with ambiance, as it offers a warmer environment where customers feel comfortable staying for hours -- as they once did. And it would definitely differentiate Starbucks from other chains. Whether it will jump-start growth is a different matter.
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My three favorites, Wine/Beer/Coffee, all in one place - Seattle, here I come :o)
So, now we'll have Starbucks wine bars on every corner?
ReplyDeleteThat's the one thing I like about Smallville, the nearest Starbucks is 30 miles away!
The concept of a Starbucks wine bar sounds interesting ... I bet it could work in some areas. Free wireless will work, too ... but it's just going to fill the stores with people who log on and never leave, lingering over a single cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Marty
Booze solves another problem! Hooray!
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