View Full Version : Starbucks Sucks.
R. Johnson
12-21-2006, 18:50
STARBUCKS DENIES COFFEE TO MARINES
Recently Marines in Iraq wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to
let them know how much they liked their coffees and to request that
they send some of it to the troops there. Starbucks replied, telling
the Marines thank you for their support of their business, but that
Starbucks does not support the war, nor anyone in it, and that they
would not send the troops their brand of coffee.
So as not to offend Starbucks, maybe we should not support them by
buying any of their products! As a war vet writing to fellow
patriots, I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this war
might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we
don't support the boys on the ground fighting street-to-street and
house-to-house for what they and I believe is right.
If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard
it and no one will never know. Thanks very much for your support. I
know you'll all be there again when I deploy once more.
Webmaster
12-21-2006, 18:55
Urban Myth. :rolleyes:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/starbucks.asp
Starbucks spent more on employee benefits in '05, than on raw material
for thier product.
Starbucks does a lot for their employees. They offer health insurance
to people who work for as little as 20 hours a week. I know people
who work part-time there because the benefits are better than
thier full-time position. IMO they do a lot for the people still at
home. Those people could also be spouses left at home.
You have every right to disagree with me and spend your dollars
where you see fit. I'm just saying that just because some GI's
got refused a donation, that you might look at the bigger picture.
Regardless of their reasons.
Peace
Sorry, Mr. C, we must have cross posted.
Webmaster
12-21-2006, 19:10
Starbucks spent more on employee benefits in '05, than on raw material
for thier product.
Starbucks does a lot for their employees. They offer health insurance
to people who work for as little as 20 hours a week. I know people
who work part-time there because the benefits are better than
thier full-time position. IMO they do a lot for the people still at
home. Those people could also be spouses left at home.
You have every right to disagree with me and spend your dollars
where you see fit. I'm just saying that just because some GI's
got refused a donation, that you might look at the bigger picture.
Regardless of their reasons.
Peace
Ray:
It's an Urban Myth. It didn't happen!
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/starbucks.asp
Yeah, yeah, I got'cha!:bow:
Cliff Hargrave
12-21-2006, 19:47
Heck I just like their coffee and I wish I had one closer to me.
R. Johnson
12-21-2006, 20:13
Oh. Good. I'm glad, because I was going to stop buying their product, even if I didn't want to.
Webmaster
12-21-2006, 20:20
Oh. Good. I'm glad, because I was going to stop buying their product, even if I didn't want to.
If you are going to stop buying their products, then do so because they have a crappy product. I go with CC's Coffee here local and in your area, Java Dave's does a MUCH better coffee.
I agree with Robert; Starbucks coffee sucks! Experienced bean roasters will tell you that Starbucks uses a bean that is over-roasted, making it bitter and acidic. I know a lot of coffee drinkers prefer that kind of taste; I don't.
Jeff Cook
Cliff Hargrave
12-21-2006, 20:46
If you are going to stop buying their products, then do so because they have a crappy product. I go with CC's Coffee here local and in your area, Java Dave's does a MUCH better coffee.
We are a little short on coffee shop variety around here. However, if anyone is ever in Beaumont, Texas I highly recommend Raos' Bakery.
http://www.raosbakery.com/
The coffee is great and their bakery products are unreal.
Musubi Dojo
12-21-2006, 22:03
You guys need Tim Hortons......
I agree with Robert; Starbucks coffee sucks! Experienced bean roasters will tell you that Starbucks uses a bean that is over-roasted, making it bitter and acidic. I know a lot of coffee drinkers prefer that kind of taste; I don't.
Jeff Cook
Charbucks.
Aaron T Fields
12-22-2006, 00:07
I live in Coffee central USA. Starbucks is swill, the real good coffee is in the small coffee houses scattered around the city. Also, any drink that really is nearly a milkshake doesn't classify as coffee. Soccer moms and frappuccino-coffee slushy drinkers go drink something else.
Americano, Cappuccino (thats with foam folks, not a bunch of milk,) and straight shots are the only thing that count. If you want a milkshake go get one. :D {There can be an argument made for the validity of a lighly chocolate flavored mocha.. but I still turn my nose up.}
Love The bean..
Aaron Fields
Dennis Monk
12-22-2006, 02:33
I recomend the chickory coffee at Cafe Dumond in NOLA's French Quarter.
2 cups of that and you are on your way to take on the day.
Americano, Cappuccino (thats with foam folks, not a bunch of milk,) and straight shots are the only thing that count. If you want a milkshake go get one. :D {There can be an argument made for the validity of a lighly chocolate flavored mocha.. but I still turn my nose up.}
Love The bean..
Aaron Fields
Amen to that.
I drink an equivalent to a quadruple expresson every morning. If I don't get, watch out.
David Craik
12-22-2006, 06:25
Me too, Tony. I drink it out of a regular mug like ordinary coffee. So much cheaper (and better tasting) to make your own from fresh-ground beans each morning than getting some hoity-toity stuff like Starbucks.
It's funny that in some places chicory coffee is kind of considered gourmet. Growing up my mom drank half-chicory/half-coffee because it was cheaper than straight coffee. It was "poor folks' coffee".
wildwills
12-22-2006, 06:28
Me too, Tony. I drink it out of a regular mug like ordinary coffee. So much cheaper (and better tasting) to make your own from fresh-ground beans each morning than getting some hoity-toity stuff like Starbucks.
It's funny that in some places chicory coffee is kind of considered gourmet. Growing up my mom drank half-chicory/half-coffee because it was cheaper than straight coffee. It was "poor folks' coffee".
Agreed, Goya Expresso, German or Turkish coffee from a can is much better or when freshly ground.
Adam Mitchell
12-22-2006, 07:50
7 Eleven coffee for me - unfortunetly I'm surrounded by starbucks.
I drink an equivalent to a quadruple expresson every morning.
Tony, same here need a "quad" every morning !
If your ever in the frozen tundra/land of cheese you MUST try Alterra Coffee. Their organic espresso can not be beat! Pure jet fuel.
www.alterracoffee.com
I recomend the chickory coffee at Cafe Dumond in NOLA's French Quarter.
2 cups of that and you are on your way to take on the day.
Dennis, don't forget the beignets! :t2:
Musubi Dojo
12-22-2006, 08:20
Anybody had Kicking Horse Coffee? I think it's a BC brand.
You get the beans and grind your own, Excellent stuff.....sipping on a Timmies now...mmmmmmmmm
I agree with Robert; Starbucks coffee sucks! Experienced bean roasters will tell you that Starbucks uses a bean that is over-roasted, making it bitter and acidic. I know a lot of coffee drinkers prefer that kind of taste; I don't.
Jeff Cook
Agreed, I drink my coffee black and Starbucks is disgusting , a bitter burnt day.
Cdnronin
12-22-2006, 10:58
I recomend the chickory coffee at Cafe Dumond in NOLA's French Quarter.
2 cups of that and you are on your way to take on the day.
MMM, I have 8 cans on their way to me, should be here before New Years. I find a beer stein full of Cafe Du Monde coffee is a right proper way to start the day.
Neil Yamamoto
12-22-2006, 12:03
Some of the best coffee I've ever tasted was from the Konalea coffee company. Handpicked, sundried, small batch roasted Kona coffee from these guys was fantastic. Another top notch coffee was from a little shop in Mazatlan, just behind the Southeast corner of the central market. We brought home several pounds of the stuff on a trip. I'm not sure what they did, but it rocked. Only coffee I've ever had that I'd drink a full pot by myself.
One thing about Starbucks, I still think the coffee is "Burnt Roast", but since more of the stores use the automated espresso machines(no more poorly trained snobby baristas making motor oil sludge in a cup) it's gotten much better in quality.
Personally, I agree with Aaron, the small coffee shops are the place to go. Especially the coffee shops near colleges, where the girls who work there are really cute and dress in tight clothing and then the girls who stop there to study... Oh yeah, and the coffee is really good too, which is why we go there. Really.
Ron Tisdale
12-22-2006, 12:55
Kenya double A, preferably from the Kenya Coffee Company, in Nairobi.
After a hard long night of beer, bangi, and miraa...
:)
Oh, and women...yeah, women too...
:) :)
Best,
Ron (those were the days)
Alright Neil and others, exactly WHERE can one order this wonderful coffee?
Here's my pick, just down the road in St. Petersburg, FL: http://joffreys.com/ The best coffee I have tasted so far. You can order the beans right off the website. It kicks Gevalia's butt - better-tasting and almost twice the quantity at Gevalia's price.
Two days ago while in St. Augustine I stopped at a little coffee shop for a cup o' jo. The coffee was excellent. The bean was from a local roaster, and the propietor said it was not available for home consumption. But she HIGHLY recommends BadAss Coffee from Hawaii - http://www.badasscoffee.com/ . I plan on ordering some beanage from those folks next. They also have a program where you can buy some beans that they will send to a soldier overseas.
My wife and I also bought the best coffee pot we have ever had to date, at Sams Wholesale Club. It is made by Quisinart.
Jeff Cook
David Anderson
12-22-2006, 23:30
7 Eleven coffee for me - unfortunetly I'm surrounded by starbucks.
If I go out to buy coffee, I go to 7-11 too... Starbucks is inconvenient for me, overpriced and oversweetened...it's my _last_ choice after the Sev, Timmy's and Second Cup.
I'm getting into doing a serious job on coffee at home... I bought my wife a Bodum coffee press last year, but I'm using it mostly for myself these days, and I just bought a good grinder so I can grind my own beans. Next step -- a home espresso machine...
Jeff Burger
12-23-2006, 06:40
Chiming in with I think Starbucks coffee sucks.
They put some better coffee places here out of business. I'm quite attached to my shee shee coffee. At home I'll use a French press if I'm out I go for a more kick latte (holidays are here and so are egg nog lattes).
I buy my coffee from Polcari's in the North End (a long time running family bussiness...oh and you can order via mail 617 227 0786 tell Bobby I sent you.)
Love the "Fratlian' commercial.
Cliff Hargrave
12-23-2006, 09:17
I guess I am one of the only people that likes Starbucks around here :)
Probably because I grew up on the darker roasted coffees which are popular around here from the Cajun influence. I usually use a dark French roast at home and make it strong. I really don't like a plain old Folger's or Maxwell House.
I guess I am one of the only people that likes Starbucks around here :)
Never fear, you're not alone twin. :D
Lame Leopard
12-23-2006, 11:35
I agree with Robert; Starbucks coffee sucks! Experienced bean roasters will tell you that Starbucks uses a bean that is over-roasted, making it bitter and acidic. I know a lot of coffee drinkers prefer that kind of taste; I don't.
Jeff Cook
Amen! I can't stand the bitter taste of their coffee. I think some people go there just because it is the Yuppie "in" thing to do, and would never admit you can get better coffee elsewhere. If people actually like it, then more power to them.
Aaron T Fields
12-23-2006, 11:53
Jeff and Tony,
I will send you some beans, e-mail me your address. I'll also see if they will ship for you.
Cliff, my trouble with Starbucks is the burnt taste. I like really dark stuff too, same offer goes for you, as for Jeff and Tony.
The best cheap way to make coffee at home is with a Bialetti. They are great stovetop makers for 20 bucks or so, and will last forever.
Like Neil said, most folks don't have the touch, in regards to pulling shots and go for the auto machines. But, if you want a machine you can pass to your kids and makes FANTASTIC coffee, try the Pavoni. They ar pump driven the way a machine should be. Your first shot, will be better than 90% of your shop bought.
"Coffee, it is not a choice, it is a way of life."
Aaron Fields
Dennis Monk
12-23-2006, 12:31
I am a Folger's type of guy, but will drink pretty much any coffee.
I tried this at a friend's one time and found it to be really good.
Gevalia, has several different flavors.
http://www.gevalia.com/Gevalia/images/product/large/280_large.jpg
Once you have had good coffee, you get really picky. My wife makes as good as anyone. She will grind the beans and sometimes mix them. She likes Hawaiian and Kenyan, but I like the smoother Colombians. I think the water makes as much difference as anything: minerals and right temp. Ahhh.
Webmaster
12-23-2006, 14:23
Starbucks, before they got really big was actually a decent coffee. Now days, their stuff is swill and is way over roasted. The only time I do Starbucks is if I am out of town and have no other choice in the matter. When Judy and I lived in Seattle (she is from there BTW), we both turned into pretty hardcore coffee snobs. I have a home espresso machine and do my four-shot espresso every morning (either I have it, or it gets real dangerous to be around me). I have found that our local coffee company, Community Coffee (http://www.communitycoffee.com/ccc/), is exceptional. They have a variety of roasts and blends and all of them are superior. Judy's choice is either Community Coffee (http://www.communitycoffee.com/ccc/) or Seattle's Best Coffee (SBC) (http://www.seattlesbest.com/) when we can find it. Both brands can be ordered over the internet and if you want to try some exceptional coffee (that is a LOT better than Cafe DuMond), give either a try.
Cliff Hargrave
12-23-2006, 14:38
Community Coffee is great! It's real popular around here. Here is our local company: Seaport Coffee (http://www.seaportcoffee.com/store/pg/3-About-Us.aspx)
I drink Starbucks because they are handy. (across the street) I prefer Peet's
(a local chain) I too think that their coffe is acidic but temper it with half & half.
Just an FYI, the darker roast coffees have a lower caffine content
than the lighter roasts. ie. Columbian being higher than French roast.
Prost!
Aaron, I just PMd you my address. Thanks brother!
I forgot to mention that whenever I go to L.A. I always stop at Trader Joe's and buy up as much bean as I can carry in my luggage. Unfortunately they do not do mail or internet orders.
I dislike the taste of Starbuck's so much that, when given a choice, I actually go to Burger King for coffee if nowhere else is available. Currently I am getting coffee beans at Dunkin' Doughnuts, which in my opinion is a pretty good bean.
Jeff Cook
Amen! I can't stand the bitter taste of their coffee. I think some people go there just because it is the Yuppie "in" thing to do, and would never admit you can get better coffee elsewhere. If people actually like it, then more power to them.
I think I'm the farthest thing from a Yuppy.
Aaron I also pm'd you address.
DaNinjew
12-23-2006, 19:27
Ladds, if Starbucks really produces such an inferior product how come they are successful? Hmmmm. You guys are entitled to your opinions and I too enjoy some of the local independent coffee shops. As a member of the big green machine, we are often a target of a large smear campaign, we treat our employees exceptionally well, and give more to our communities than 99% of the companies in America. My store partners and I have personally sent dozens of pounds of coffee to Marine units in the gulf, firefighters and other emergency personnel fighting california wildfires, we give donations to local schools, PTA groups, Literacy, HIV/AIDS, and cancer foundations. Starbucks encourages us to volunteer for fundraisers and offers $10 an hour to these nonprofit groups for each hour of volunteerism. After 9/11 Starbucks donated hundreds of gallons of coffee and food to workers supporting the clean up in NYC, we continued to pay our workers in Beruit whose shops were closed down or destroyed by the bombings, and you can bet we contributed that and more to the people of New Orleans and others effected by Katrina. You don't have to like our coffee but we are definately patriotic and great community leaders. Please find someone more worthy for your ire.
Webmaster
12-23-2006, 19:45
Kevin:
I don't think anyone is disputing that Starbucks is an excellent company that treats it's employees well and is an outstanding member of the community. However, what makes Starbucks a big success is it's marketing model and the fact that you can find a store on just about every corner. McDonald's uses the same strategy, makes gobs of money, is a huge success, but I know of few people that would argue that McDonald's products are superior to others in the same field. My issue with Starbucks is not because they are the biggest and thus the easiest target, but the fact that the quality has suffered greatly as the company has grown. Back in the early 90's (when I was in Seattle), Starbucks ruled. Now, the quality control of the roasting process has suffered as a result of needing more quantity and thus, the quality has gone down. It is not that their products are bad, there is just better choices on the market. Now, if the quality were to return to the "good old days", I would happily patronize Starbucks.
David Anderson
12-23-2006, 21:03
Ladds, if Starbucks really produces such an inferior product how come they are successful?
Personally, I think it has more to do with the amount of sugar and fat they manage to cram into their products than it does with the quality of their coffee as such. And then there's the snob appeal...Starbucks is _expensive_, so it must be better, right? And then there's the name recognition.
I got a Starbucks gift card as a present from my employer, so I guess I'll be going there a few times at least. If I find anything I like better than what I mix up myself at 7-11 [half dark roast, half unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa and a pinch of sweetener], I'll happily report it here. I'll be counting the calories too....
Starbucks is a big hit where I work. A gift card was one of the presents brought in for our gift giving game and was wanted by many. Most of the coworkers will be happy when our directorate is moved to the Flagler Museum (next year) as Starbucks is right across the street.
Me? I take it all one step further - I don't drink coffee period. :p
Kevin, I love the atmosphere of Starbucks, their customer service is also top-notch. I just can't stand the taste of their coffee. I am NOT suggesting that anyone boycott the place, and I am not directing any ire at them whatsoever. I am only reviewing their product - coffee. I regret that you are offended that I do not like your coffee.
Jeff Cook
Dennis Monk
12-23-2006, 22:06
I haven't had enough Starbucks coffee to really make up my mind one way or the other. I know I don't care for the yuppie attitude that seems to come from some of its patrons; which I don't believe is the store's fault.
I drink a lot of coffee while on the road and have found some of the better brews to be in some gas stations believe it or not.
One in particular is at Buc-ee's gas station in Luling, Texas. They have the best coffee between Houston and San Antonio.
R. Johnson
12-23-2006, 22:51
Holy crap. I hadn't even been watching this thread...I can't believe it's out to three pages.
Rasputin
12-24-2006, 00:49
Holy crap. I hadn't even been watching this thread...I can't believe it's out to three pages.
Yep. Someone needs to consider decaf. :D
DaNinjew
12-24-2006, 01:35
Kevin, I love the atmosphere of Starbucks, their customer service is also top-notch. I just can't stand the taste of their coffee. I am NOT suggesting that anyone boycott the place, and I am not directing any ire at them whatsoever. I am only reviewing their product - coffee. I regret that you are offended that I do not like your coffee.
Jeff Cook
Jeff,
I am not at all offended that you don't like our coffee, more power to you, I just don't understand why the company continues to get so much mudd slung at it, like the rumor that started this thread. There is much misinformation out there. I understand that many of our drinks contain large amounts of calories, no one makes people order them, but we also offer many healthier low cal options for those trying to watch their "girlish figure." I agree with some of the previous posts that indicate we have changed as we grow, that is unfortunate and probably inevitable since becoming a public company that is beholding to stock holders. Believe me, there are lots of partners who are very concerned about the direction of our company. Many people don't like the fact that we seem to be everywhere but how can we have world domination if we aren't on every corner? Besides we've been endorsed by Dr. Evil!
I guess Jeff I just want to voice the other side of the coin. Its the best job and the most honest company I have ever worked for so please understand why I would want to defend her honor.
Happy Holidays to Everyone!:D:
Defnitely Kevin. No problem with me. And I AM offended by the ridiculous rumor that started this thread. In fact, I can't tell you how many emails I get from well-intentioned friends and relatives of mine with dumbass rumors like this one. If these people would just take a moment to run it through snopes.com, urbanlegends.com, or just do a damn google they could stop these rumors in their tracks.
Happy Holidays to you, Kevin.
Jeff Cook
ajnsantafe
12-24-2006, 08:26
Well I grew up in Redmond WA, just outside Seattle where the other huge companies of Seattle live, Microsoft, IBM, Nintendo-Pyke St. Starbucks (the first Starbucks store) was my home away from home in my youth so the coffee is a special meaning to me and by the way WebMaster if you try Pette's Coffee and Bean (the guys who started Starbucks) sold it and started that company shortly after and they remind me of the old great coffee of Starbucks. If you can try and find them outside of the west coast it's worth the effort. Merry christmas Happy new year and all that Jazz.....
Webmaster
12-24-2006, 08:30
Thanks Joseph! I will see if I can locate some of their beans!
Aaron T Fields
12-24-2006, 12:11
Daninja...Common' now.. this isnt a bad samurai movie. Nobody is defacing the Starbucks' honor, no need to get your knickers in a twist :D
I live in Seattle and have a number of friends that work for the company, it seems to be a standup place to work no question. Not one of us that like coffee, are going to pass up Starbucks in a pinch, but most folks on this thread are just commenting on the fact that many of us have other places we like better. Judging by how many Starbucks there are, the public really like the joint. SO... just consider us the small minority and realize that folks can say what they want and put their dollars where they want... thank goodness.
But if we must meet at noon to duel, in the name of free java choice.. then sharpen your pointy stick.
Aaron Fields
ps one last thing.... keep your tounge in your cheek
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