Reply #29: That sounds accurate to me - but very few cities had that [View All]

[mondo joe]

sort of niche to begin with, though a few (like Boston) did.

Even in Seattle Starbucks eventually bought those types of regional chains. But the stores are still there, the market is bigger than ever, and the jobs are still there - but more of them. In addition, there ar the small independent coffee shops that rise to take advantage of the market. And I like those even better than the regional chains.

I personally use Starbucks as a last resort. I don't think it's terrible but there are small roasters that do a better job, imo, and I prefer to support them.

But I like Starbucks as a corporation. It's a good employer that really gives back to the community and has a better track record on social issues than most.