Comments on: Starbucks Drive-Thru: Don’t Do It

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:45:03 +0000

Re: David G’s comment about Augusta. I moved here in 2002. I can assure you there were many espresso machines in Augusta while you were here on vacation. At that time, however, Augusta hadn’t been overrun with chain coffee shops. Instead, people who live here knew where to go for coffee/espresso drinks at small, locally owned coffee shops where they roast their own beans. What I have also learned here is that “hauty-tauty” sneers are usually reserved for the arrogant visitors. The people here are generally very friendly to the huge majority of visitors, unless they are condescending — they just don’t have time for that — better things to do.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 00:08:42 +0000

Recent post on a blog about how similar Starbucks and McDonalds are becoming.

By: David G

David G — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 23:12:44 +0000

It’s a geography thing, Rob –> I think we need to move you to the coast …

Here in Seattle, Starbucks is the Mac-Donalds of coffee; no self-respecting latte-lover would choose them over their favorite local for a good sit-down with a GREAT cuppa’espresso … compared to the beans the private guys get here, starbucks tastes watered down … but when on the road and in a hurry, just like Mac-D’s, the consistency and efficiency of starbucks is welcome … that said, I was in Augusta, GA this vacation where the only espresso machine in town belongs to a well-known Starbucks in the local B&N; and where you get that “hauty-tauty” sneer from the locals who you ask for directions to get there.

It’s a geography thing

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 18:17:54 +0000

Now that’s something I’ll agree with, Dunkin Donuts has much better coffee.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 18:03:31 +0000

Interesting. 8 out of 8 commenters disagree with me. So technically I can say I’m batting 1.000 right?

I’m sticking to my previous views. I think it threatens the exclusivity that is inherent in the Starbucks image. They will become more like Dunkin Donuts (which, honestly, has better coffee, but I haven’t looked at their financials). Market share slips a bit as Starbucks becomes the all things to all people coffee, and gets picked apart by smart niche players. They will survive and be profitable, I’m sure, but I think profit margins and growth rates will both slow significantly.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 17:43:26 +0000

If a person buys their coffee at Starbucks, they most likely do so because they like the coffee. You can get other coffee elsewhere at a much cheaper price.

Since that’s the case, making it easier and faster to get the coffee will, in my opinion, not hurt their brand name.

In fact, it may generate even more business as those who do not feel like getting out of their cars, will now decide to use the drive-thru.

By: st4rbux

st4rbux — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 17:21:28 +0000

We have a drivethrough Starbucks, and I have used it exactly once, because it was so slow relative to walking inside the same store. I think they also screwed up my doppio-macchiato, which I will not tolerate.

By: COD

COD — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 17:14:27 +0000

“Starbucks” to those of us in the burbs is simply overpriced, over roasted coffee. Drive or not drive, it does not matter.

I’ll take Caribou over Starbucks every chance I can. Although what I really do is buy quality beans and grind them as needed each morning to brew a quality pot in the conmfort of my own home, which is still far more comfy than any coffee house.

By: The Unknown Professor

The Unknown Professor — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 16:42:03 +0000

Caribou Coffee has been doing the “drive-through and in-store” model for years. They’re not as big as Starbucks, but I had a student who managed one of them – she said they cleaned up with the commuters during drive time. A lot of their customers went there instead of Starbucks simply because of the ability to stay in their cars.

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 15:30:12 +0000

Many of the new locations in the suburbs are pRobably similar to the town I live in which means that a new Starbucks is the first Starbucks. A lot of the customers are aware of Starbucks but don’t have a preconceived notion of the Starbucks experience. In addition, a lot of residents in the town see having a Starbucks as a graduation to becoming more than just a sleepy suburb town.