Starbucks to Offer -- Beer and Wine?

A Cup of Joe or a glass of Chardonnay? Starbucks will no longer be known as just a coffee shop anymore but as your local watering hole. That is what top execs hope for, as they launch their new test market at a refurbished coffeehouse in Seattle's Capitol Hill. Beer and wine will be offered after 4 p.m. so as to attract the after work crowd. Starbucks has been recently struggling to stay afloat due to economic downturn where many Americans have opted to forego their high priced daily concoction of java for a home brewed version. In an effort to boost sales and entice the public to return, Starbucks decided to offer craft beer and local wines, along with artisan cheeses and wider menu. Coffee shop by day local bar by night.

Starbucks plans to not only revamp its image but each of its stores by using reclaimed wood and recycled materials. The company wants to use local artists to construct tables that can seat up to 15 people. They want their coffee shops to have more of an independent feel within them; a warmer more inviting appeal.

There have been many mixed reviews about this subject; leaving many unsure of what they would feel if in fact, their favorite coffee house would begin selling beer and wine. I, for one, personally do not care for the idea and they just need to return to the drawing board and come up with a better idea of how to entice customers back in to their local Starbucks. I believe that coffee houses should remain coffee houses and pubs should remain pubs.

So far, the Olive Way store is the only one with the changes in effect right now and depending on how well it fares, this may be the way of the future for Starbucks. I really hope not.

Cited sources:

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