Yes it’s one of those global chains that seems to creep up everywhere and destroy classic local establisments, like Barnes & Nobles with books (funny how these 2 companies seemed to even team up like in wrestling).  But I just have to make a few contrarian opinions.

1. If you’ve never been to places like Houston, then you don’t understand that a good coffee experience is highly subjective.  Back in my consulting days, in some cities you’d be lucky to get a cup of brown water with ground up chalk from a gas station driving on the way to work.  Starbucks was an oasis of civilization often in those territories.

2. It is consistent and it works (most of the time anyway).  Anywhere around the globe — grande soy caramel machiatto.  London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Berlin, etc. etc.  Even with crazy lines, things get done, and you get what you ordered.

3. It’s tasty.  What can I say, I’ve been brainwashed/addicted to a hot package full of caffeine and sugar.

I see Starbucks like a treat or a reward.  It’s not for regular usage.  And it’s not where I particularly like to hang out if I’m in a cool town — I’d prefer being at Godshot which has the best flat whites in town and is a block from my house and let’s me bring the stroller in (Starbucks did too, but then again I was stuck in a mall).  So I prefer to have my cake, and eat it too.  And thus I support my local barristas, and every once in a while add a few more pence to the global Starbucks machinery so hopefully there will be some lost soul somewhere clamoring for a real cup of coffee who may get their own little oasis (BTW, Helsinki should be priority on that list…  Sorry friends.)