Starbucks Too Big for Its Own Good?
An interesting opinion that Starbucks has grown too big for its own good. With SBUX stores popping up all over the place, the experience of going to a Starbucks has been getting diluted.
I first noticed something like this when going to a Starbucks at an airport (forget which one though). After a long plane ride (is there such a thing as a short plane ride?), I was glad to see the familiar green logo in the airport. When ordering though, instead of grinding the beans and packing it in the espresso maker, the barista simply pushed a button on an automatic espresso machine that started dispensing espresso for my drink. Speedy yes, but not quite the same you know what I mean?
It feels like the automatic machine takes away the expertise of the barista allowing anyone to make espresso shots. A barista out sick today? Go grab the janitor, stick a green apron on him, and have him push the “make espresso” button. I don’t know what kind of training Starbucks baristas get, but I’m sure it’s more than simply pushing a button.
Technorati Tags: coffee, Starbucks
March 5, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
So I guess you will only have highly trained baristas in your Mililani Mauka Starbucks.
March 5, 2007 @ 10:20 pm
You mean the “should be” location before the H2 on ramp by McDonalds? Yep, would have highly trained baristas to service Mililani Mauka’s finest.
If trainable workers can’t be found, then I’d guess we’d go with the automatic espresso maker and recruit workers from the next door McDonalds.
😉