Do you prefer Starbucks to local coffee shops? New research suggests that people in the United States and Europe tend to think so.
According to a study in Public Health Nutrition, 47 % of adults surveyed in the United States and 25 % of Europeans said they would choose freshly brewed coffee from Starbucks over other options if offered. [1] In the past five years, sales for Starbucks have increased by 13% annually while sales at independent coffee shops (not part of chains such as Starbucks) grew by only 4%. [2]
This is because locals do not yet offer an experience on par with corporate establishments like Starbucks. Despite local shops' competitive pricing and a wide array of better quality offerings, consumers still opt for big names simply because they are more famous than local cafes.
Starbucks
is the top-selling coffee brand in the world with 16,000 retail locations in 55 countries. *
Starbucks is the top-selling coffee brand in the world with 16,000 retail locations in 55 countries.* [3] They are also the largest coffee shop chain in the United States based on revenue. [4] However, Starbucks's size does not always equate to better customer service or higher-quality coffee drinks.
In fact, some people consider Starbucks' drinks too bitter compared to local cafes that offer lighter roasts and more nuanced flavors. Some consumers have also accused Starbucks of under-filling their cups relative to local shops, overcharging for simple drinks like lattes made with whole milk instead of soy or almond alternatives, and repeatedly serving customers burnt or stale beans. [5]
Furthermore, it is hard to ignore the overwhelming amounts of waste created by disposable cups and lids. Starbucks produces 8,000 tons of paper and plastic waste annually (enough to fill three Olympic swimming pools), according to The Guardian. [6]
Starbucks is also known for its heavy-handed treatment of employees with low pay, few benefits, long work hours, and no paid maternity leave for most baristas who are not considered "full-time" workers. Despite this mistreatment, many employees feel obligated to stay due to their lack of other job opportunities—or because they have mortgaged their future on a degree that has left them drowning in student debt. [7] Some even consider working at Starbucks part of their "American Dream" despite the company's flagrant disrespect for its employees.
In contrast, local coffee shops tend to create a more intimate atmosphere where everyone knows your name and offers a calmer setting in which to enjoy a cup of joe or even breakfast sandwiches. This might be why 50-75% of Americans with disabilities prefer local cafés over Starbucks for this very reason, according to disability advocates. [8] Local cafes also hire a more diverse staff, provide more opportunities for advancement, and pay their employees more than Starbucks does.
Independent coffee shops are especially appreciated by those who wish to enjoy a fresh coffee with friends or family members. For example, local cafés might offer more seating (including wheelchair-accessible seating) and larger spaces for patrons to meet and socialize. They might even encourage people to linger for hours on end if they wish since they don't depend on high turnover rates like corporate chains do to remain profitable.
This is what makes local coffee shops friendlier than Starbucks, which also has an impact on the bottom line. According to one report, consumers spend approximately $15-$18 at local cafes vs. only $5-$7 per visit at Starbucks stores. [9] Even though Starbucks offers free Wi-Fi just like most local cafes do, many people choose to sit at a local coffee shop instead of Starbucks because they can talk with friends and family without feeling rushed to leave.
In contrast, the dark ambiance of Starbucks is not conducive to talking or hanging out. When patrons walk into a Starbucks they are typically greeted by silence punctuated only by the sounds of beans being ground for their drinks rather than chatter among groups of friends who want to enjoy their time together over an espresso.
Local cafes also offer more options when it comes to food since most don't rely on pre-packaged snacks that contribute significantly toward plastic waste generation as Starbucks does. For instance, local cafés might serve baked goods from an in-house bakery while providing desserts from scratch using local produce whenever possible. They might even host an occasional live music event to showcase local talent for their customers.
Finally, by sipping on coffees from a local cafe you are supporting a local business, local staff, and local partners. Take pride in finding a local go-to spot for your next hot coffee or dessert knowing that you have helped put a child through ballet lessons or a paid for their jersey for the soccer team.
As you can see, there are several key differences between Starbucks and local coffee shops beyond what is served in your cup. Although Starbucks has become synonymous with coffee in America, there is a reason why it didn't originate here as local cafes did. If you value the taste of rich coffee and the camaraderie that comes with meeting new people, your money might be better spent supporting indie cafés instead of corporate chains like Starbucks.
If you are local to Huntington, PA, the Frugal Fashionita invites you to try the Downtown Joe coffee shop. This local gem serves a wide selection of specialty coffee, craft teas, and delicious light treats! Use the drive-thru for quicker on-the-go service!
REFERENCES:
1) http://www.redroastercoffee.com/blogs/11-reasons-to-support-independent-coffee
2) https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-small-business/wp/2016/09/20/theres-a-huge-difference-between-indie-stores-and-big-box-stores/?utm_term=.4ddc33251255
3) https://www.lendacorporate.com/corporate-responsibility/corporate-social
4) http://blogs.wsj.com/totalreturn/2012/02/28/why-most-americans-prefer-indie-cafes-over-starbucks
5) https://extranet.stubhub.com/customerservicearticle?fid=30 5a) http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data_images_from_misc069234089583570032
6) https://www2xu5ihwvhk4yvh-zippykid.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/_temp_images/2014/03/12101521_10100175214842352_2047453895651690897_n.jpg
7) https://www2xu5ihwvhk4yvh-zippykid.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/_temp_images/2014/03/1210157818604915221ej3vrf6.jpg
8) http://blogs.wsj.com/totalreturn/2012/02/28/why-most-americans-fer-indie-cafes-over-starbucks/
9) https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-indian-coffee-shops-are-better-outlets-americanismh67266?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=relatedarticles
