Starbucked: Debunking Myths About The Coffee Giant

Is Starbucks guilty of ruining neighborhoods and destroying local businesses?

1 minute read

May 27, 2004, 10:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

A recent firebombing at one of 157 Starbucks within 20 miles of downtown Portland leads this alternative news weekly to take a look at criticisms against the coffee giant. Ranging from global trade, to planning and community economic development issues, they offer a mixed verdict.

"Starbucks' homogeneity is the secret to its success; whereas local coffee shops can be inconsistent with their products, automation and training ensure that at Starbucks, you'll get the exact same latte every time, anywhere in the world. But homogenization is, by definition, a signal of the loss of diversity, uniqueness and charm, the long-range effects of which could be quite damaging."

Thanks to Japrovo

FULL STORY: Thoroughly Starbucked

Wednesday, May 26, 2004 in Willamette Week

Community / Economic Development Oregon

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