Comments on: What’s going on at my favorite Starbucks?

By: maceyk

maceyk — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:10:24 +0000

I think this is a great description of the changing atmosphere. I know many Starbucks that are beginning to look like this and add to their brand image. I think the organization is doing a lot to change the Starbucks image in part to balance the fact that their prices are higher than those of competitors such as DD. .-= maceyk´s last blog ..Commitment Contracts for Business =-.

By: Scott Weisbrod

Scott Weisbrod — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:27:46 +0000

You’re experiencing the evolution of the brand first-hand. Other Starbucks are catching up too. I agree with Nancy’s point too and would add that it goes even further up the chain – Howard Schultz has brought focus back to organization as well as vision. And his vision trickles all the way down to every partner working at every Starbucks location. Without his vision, Starbucks would still be struggling like they were in 2006/2007.
.-= Scott Weisbrod´s last blog ..Weekly Linkage 2010-01-29 =-.

By: Understanding Organizations : What’s Going On At My Favorite Starbucks? « Just Another OrgHead Outpost

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:48:08 +0000

[...] What’s Going On At My Favorite Starbucks this definition can be crucial to understanding the goals of individuals coffee shops even as part [...]

By: cv

cv — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:39:10 +0000

Nancy, I’m betting that you are right… and I think that it’s the case here that more than one of the (local) top people is this way. A hypothesis I can test!

Nilki, I’m loving the perpendicular approach you’re taking to the question. I surely don’t want to ‘kill’ the dymanic by (over) examining it. I’ll think about how/if I can learn more w/out making myself unable to enjoy. cv

By: nilki b

nilki b — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:14:59 +0000

I grew up in seattle and saw the decimation of the authentic coffee shop by an idea gone wild-bringing coffee to the masses. it’s nice to see that some franchises are coming back to the soul of the coffee shop which all across the West Coast used to be gathering places for teens, authors, suits, musicians and every single walkoflife.

IMO, don’t ask questions, just be! jump right in and enjoy what for many is a distant, sweet memory of what it used to be to grab a cup of coffee on a rainy morning before work or on a friday night with friends and books and to be part of a community.

It’s making you uncomfortable because it feels right, and so much in commerce just doesn’t! that’s a good thing! thank the barristas by being loyal and friending them (you know, the non-electronic way!)

Thanks for allowing the rant! I think it may have sparked a post of my own!
.-= nilki b´s last blog ..Happy New Year of Wonderful Beginnings =-.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:47:14 +0000

Find out who is in charge and then talk to that person. I think the quality that you’re describing only happens when someone at the top is a functional human being who likes and understands people. Ask the employees what they like about working there. Also how long have they been working there.