In Defense of Starbucks

A recent post on Gawker got a whole thread started on the merits and demerits of Starbucks. I can't address all the points, but let's talk about cost.

A Tall cup of coffee (which, contrary to popular belief, is not the smallest size you can order) is about $1.91 in Manhattan.

A comparable size cup at a deli will set you back $1.25. Yes, you can still find a dollar cup in the city, but it will taste like crap.

I used to do deli coffee all the time. When I first moved to the city, it felt more authentic. Starbucks seem obnoxiously overpriced and factory-like, and, like so many, I just wanted a cup of coffee, no fancy drinks.

That said, when I started working at Penn Station, Starbucks ended up being right in my flight path. I bought flavored coffee. I got their rewards card so the flavoring is no extra change. More than any other place, Starbucks is consistent. They're not perfect, but no matter what day I go in, or which store I go to, their coffee tastes like what I expect.

Now, let's do the math:

In three weeks I could spend $28.65 at Starbucks, or $18.50 at a local place. So, I'm spending about $10 more per period.

But what's this? Thanks to their rewards system, every three weeks I get a free drink of my choice - any size, any drink. Let's value that at $5 (sometimes more). Basically, every three weeks I treat myself to a tasty dessert beverage simply for buying something every workday that I would buy anyway.

So now, rounding, I'm spending $5 more per period, or about $.33 per drink, than a regular cup of joe. It's worthwhile to me to pay that premium for coffee I like, that is consistently good, and at a store (one in particular) where I like the employees. AND I get a tasty drink every three weeks.

I have nothing against other coffee places. I like Starbucks. That does not make me a snob. They have a good system in place and I like their coffee. If you don't like their coffee, don't buy it. But whoever you are, don't be a hater.