Some coffee fans get grim delight in Starbucks woes

[jennielynn1970]

I don't really understand the whole counter culture idea that Richard discussed. I just don't get going against something cause it is 'big', a chain, commercialized, etc. To me, it is as odd as the people that want to dress differently than the "norm", just to be different.

I totally understand supporting the mom and pop places vs. the chains. I will go to a mom and pop restaurant/coffee house, whatever really, as opposed to a chain restaurant.

I like to support the small business owner, and I like the quality of service I receive, as well as the variety on their menus that will normally change weekly, as well as the quality. They normally buy their ingredients fresh for that day, and that makes a huge difference. I think the only chain I support is 7-11 for their slurpees and their hotdogs, lol.

[dukedogsmom]

I totally understand supporting the mom and pop places vs. the chains. I will go to a mom and pop restaurant/coffee house, whatever really, as opposed to a chain restaurant.

I like to support the small business owner, and I like the quality of service I receive, as well as the variety on their menus that will normally change weekly, as well as the quality. They normally buy their ingredients fresh for that day, and that makes a huge difference. I think the only chain I support is 7-11 for their slurpees and their hotdogs, lol.

I like to support local businesses, as well. But when the product is unsatisfying and below par, I go elsewhere. I don't understand the big "brew" haha about going to a big chain.

[dukedogsmom]

See? Even Dasher likes Starbucks

[CountryWolf07]

See? Even Dasher likes Starbucks

This made me giggle.

I love Starbucks, but I don't go as often anymore. I also love small coffee shops, they're the best kind, I think. But however, coffee is coffee to me. I don't have any near me, but when I am at Mike's 20 miles away, there are quite a few, so we always go and grab a cup.

[CathyBogart]

I love Starbucks, and it's the only place near me that brews fresh coffee every half an hour. If I go to the two mom and pop shops nearby, I get stale coffee unless it's 7am. Not cool to me, because I AM picky about my coffee.

[jennielynn1970]

I see your point with the coffee. I'm not a fan of coffee, but if I were, I'd want it fresh and not stale.

I like chai, but I'll make my own at home and take it with me if I want it at school. OR I'll buy Pacific Chai powder and make it at school. I've had chai at different places (mom and pop shops and chains) and was never thrilled with it. Always too sweet. Always too fake. When I make it at home, I can regulate how long I steep the chai and how much milk and sugar I add. Maybe if I made decent coffee at home I'd like it. I love the smell, but coffee itself just seems to upset my stomach.

I do like the house latte at Panera. It's mostly milk, has maybe a shot of espresso in it, not sure what exactly is in it, but like I said, mostly milk. And honey. If I have anything other than tea there, that's what I get. I've taken to making my own paninis at home as well. I can put on what I want, and it doesn't cost me an arm and a leg.

I guess what a lot of it comes down to is really quality of what we want and quality of service. If the one of the local mom and pop places doesn't suit me, I can always find another one. The Lehigh Valley has a ton of options, thankfully. That may not be the case in other areas I guess.

I am still a fan of a really good diner though, lol. My favorite here was just renovated and made into a regular restaurant. It ticks me off. It was the best place to go at 2am to get breakfast or whatever you were hungry for. Are diners as prevalent in other places as well?? We have a TON of diners in the Lehigh Valley.

[Medusa]

I am still a fan of a really good diner though, lol. My favorite here was just renovated and made into a regular restaurant. It ticks me off. It was the best place to go at 2am to get breakfast or whatever you were hungry for. Are diners as prevalent in other places as well?? We have a TON of diners in the Lehigh Valley.

We had a great diner in the town where I grew up in PA. I think it's still there. My best friend and I would order hot roast beef sandwiches w/real mashed potatoes, pile on the salt and pepper and play the table side juke box. My selections were always "Dream On Little Dreamer" by Perry Como and "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers. What bittersweet memories! Good grief, am I old!

[jennielynn1970]

We had a great diner in the town where I grew up in PA. I think it's still there.

Where did you grow up in PA??

[caseysmom]

I love Starbucks, and it's the only place near me that brews fresh coffee every half an hour. If I go to the two mom and pop shops nearby, I get stale coffee unless it's 7am. Not cool to me, because I AM picky about my coffee.

Me too I can't stand coffee thats been sitting. Starbucks beats anything else around here.