• by January 11, 2008

I love Starbucks. Being a Seattle native in some ways implies a loyalty, but it goes beyond that. In some markets Starbucks is priced above a major chunk of the market and I can see how McDonald's will be successful at an attempted replica of the Starbucks magic in reaching this market that doesn't want to pay 4 bucks for a cup of coffee.

Starbucks has grown awfully fast, and the experience they provided in the beginning would be increasingly difficult to control, much like any large company trying to keep the 500th layer of growth connected to the initial corporate mission. Hopefully the competition will renew their commitment and focus to their original mission of supplying a good cup of joe with a personable, warm, "we love the community" experience.