The CaffiNation Podcast

I have a very well documented history of critique for Starbucks. From their predatory expansion to their burnt swill and snarky service people. But this won’t be one of those pieces, instead we aim for constructive criticism. Today 12 EDT, and 9PDT Starbucks will be holding a Taste in of their new flavor Pike Place Roast. Meh long lines, half hour of free taste of a new blend. This blend is supposed to be a response to people who say that Starbucks coffee is burnt. It is a lighter roast supposed to be easier on our delicate untrained coffee drinking pallets.

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Today Tuesday 2/26/2008 Starbucks will be closing their stores from 5:30 PM - 8:30 pm. During that time Dunkin Donuts will be offering small coffee, latte and iced coffee for a measly .99 cents. So that no coffee lover goes without. They even have a new commercial aimed directly at starbucks.

Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, three corporate heavyweights have been engaging in a marketing slug fest for the past year. At times it seems like everyone is against Starbucks, and you’d be right. In business you don’t aim to beat number 2, you aim to topple number 1. And there is no bigger One in coffee than Starbucks. (more…)