Starbucks New Chain to Sell Beer

Really?
by Bruce of Brews on Dec 14, 2010 in Culture
Starbucks New Chain to Sell Beer

A few years ago you could go to any major city in America, blind fold yourself, turn in place a few times, and throw a rock in any direction and hit a Starbucks coffee shop (but hopefully not any aspiring screenplay writers inside.) That is, until a recession hit and forced the company to actually try different business models rather than over saturating the world with their stores selling overpriced burnt bean water.

With the company’s main product of course being coffee & espresso, it’s no surprise that it does 70% of its business before 2pm. Seeking to remedy this and draw in an evening following, Starbucks plans to expand its product from morning beverages to Beer and Wine.

The first of the stores to serve alcohol opened in Seattle and is named after the street that it’s located on. “15th Avenue Coffee & Tea” bears a Starbucks badge on its door, and is an actual local Starbucks shop refitted with a new makeover and a different menu that also includes some local and imported beers.

The store itself was refashioned to look like a neighborhood hangout that’s been there for years. An old table made out of the refinished timber of an old ship serves as a large sitting area. Food from a local bakery will also be served in the earlier hours, and other décor includes unique lamps and murals. The lighting is dimmed and in true café fashion there will be live music and poetry readings.

This new makeover at the Starbucks’ Seattle location is an attempt to appeal to the local residents by appearing cultural and craft. Like most aging establishments trying radical new ideas, it’s unclear on how the reception will be to the corporate chain trying to appear…anti-corporate.

Reception is key, if it goes well with these first few locations, it could lead to the concept being integrated into any of Starbucks’ 16,000 current locations worldwide. Which would mean enormous changes to the franchise, although it is currently unclear how this would happen or if 15th Street’s localization and attention to detail would also be adapted.

It could end up being the equivalent of the creepy old guy at a rock show; where you are unsure whether it is alcohol or dementia to blame for his odd behavior--which usually consists of standing in the front row shredding licks on his air guitar or creeping out the youth with odd stories that fail to move in any direction but circular. It could also end up being the cool old hippy. The kind of guy where you are unsure of how he got into the party but you let him go because he has awesome stories of touring with the Grateful Dead or Led Zeppelin. Yeah, maybe like that…

12.14.10 

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close