Starbucks as a Lifestyle

Starbucks appeals to many different people. I encounter customers throughout that can have a bubbly personality, and carry on a conversation with them by simply just asking what is on their docket for the day. 

There are a couple college age "besties" that won't come in daily, or at the same time, but they always want the same drink: a tall caramel frappucchino in a grande cup with extra whipped cream and extra caramel sauce. Another demographic comes in talking about what level they beat in their current video game. Others are students simply in need of some caffeine.

There are also couples that come in everyday at the same time, for the same drink. They'll order it the same way, and we'll give it to them in the same order; always the wife first. Then there are the business men and women that meet at Starbucks for their weekly meeting, and just want their coffee treat to get them through another meeting.

The thing is though, not all college students, married couples, and executives can really afford the sweet taste of Starbucks coffee. I personally am not a black coffee type of person. Many people would say I like the "frilly" drinks, but that's just because I don't like it when coffee has a bitter bite to it. Starbucks has some smooth blends, but I just cannot brave coffee alone.

Starbucks is a lifestyle. The money, the laptops drawn in by free wi-fi, the strong tin cans that hold the loose leaf Tazo tea, the insulated coffee travelers, and the several choices of coffee mugs. Before I worked at Starbucks, I thought Starbucks equaled money, happiness, and success. But now I realize that Starbucks let us capitalize on the things that we do have, even if it isn't on that list.

Starbucks is able to do this because it is such a large company. They have 16,000 locations in over 50 countries. When looking at a competitor such as Dutch Bros, there really is no comparison. Yes, Dutch Bros has better prices, but for what quality? I personally can only drink their coffee on ice because their milk is so thick, and their coffee isn't as strong. The biggest factor is that Dutch Bros is only in the US, and with that, they only have 156 total locations. And people wonder why Starbucks is leading the coffee industry.