Recently, I started reading the new Malcolm Gladwell book, "David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants". This book is an interesting take on the underdogs-vs-the big man on campus. I loved his historical take on the bible story and it is definitely worth a read. Personally, not just because the holidays are in full swing, I like to support small business and the locals in the area. I don't necessarily think the big box stores have an advantage if the smaller places offer more unique items, customer service, gift wrapping and such. In Boulder Colorado there are dozens of unique stores, but, more importantly for me, COFFEE shops. Am I an addict? Probably, but honestly…who cares? I'm 49 years old and already half my friends and I have been gluten-free, carb-free, calorie-free, and FUN-FREE at any one given time. Can't a girl have a little coffee?
Over the course of the past few months, I have probably tried 10 different coffee places, all offering the typical fare, WIFI included. Heck, more business in Boulder is done in the coffee shops than the office. It is almost a bad word to say, "Starbucks". The locations they DO have very little parking and I recently found out that there is not a single drive thru here because Boulder never approves drive-thru locations that are not already built. In other words, McDonalds would have to go out of business, in order for Starbucks to move into the pre-existing drive thru. CrAZy! The bottom line is this: I miss Starbucks! Say what you will, my coffee always tastes the same, I receive it quickly, and the people always have an encouraging word and a friendly demeanor. My experience with the Boulder coffee is this: tiny cups (We are talking almost a shot size class is a "small"), high prices, and snobby young adults who would rather be cooking tofu sausage in their energy efficient microwave. Last week, a friend and I walked for coffee and ended up with a $15 bill for 1 small tea, 1 small latte and 2 small scones. This was opposed to a Starbucks bill the week prior that was about $10 for 3 medium specialty drinks. When one took slightly longer than the others, we were handed a free any size, any drink coupon for future use. I am all about the underdog, and supporting the little guy, but for me, it's back to Starbucks until the small coffee shops figure out how to consistently make good coffee and provide a reason to support them. Honestly, I think I will donate my coffee money this month to a better cause! Grab a cup of your own brew, put your feet up on a chilly morning, and enjoy a good read!
Cheers,
Coffee Talk Mom
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