Starbucks is running our lives in ways we have not even noticed -a coffee shop scheme that only few have mastered before it. Their menus are delectable assortments of hot and cold drinks with numerous desserts and food choices. Customers are either irked or amused when a barista goes out of whack with name spelling-but everyone sure does enjoy when their grande caramel frap is prepared with just the right balance of caffeine, the sweet goodness of caramel syrup and foamy whipped cream. The almost mystical temptation of the coffee chain is real and many who spot the unmistakable green logo of the double-tailed mermaid from a distance are often seduced. However, Starbucks is luring people into more than just loyalty, but a commitment that feeds into their lives in fluctuating fashion.
Starbucks has become a pastime of sorts. Spotting one is practically a game when you’re out-of-town and when home you usually know where the nearest ones are within a five-mile radius from wherever you have wandered. The neighborhood Starbucks is the center for everything. Business deals are closed, first dates are scheduled and old friends are reunited there. This is also a common location of choice for all computer users- free Wi-Fi is now an attraction within itself. Then there is the fact that Starbucks is often also nestled safely within a Barnes and Noble’s –great opportunity to browse books you probably won’t buy. Let’s not forget that this is usually the go-to spot for emergency bathroom runs- every Starbucks has one open to customers and you’ll usually leave with a favorite drink- so much for emptying your bladder.
Starbucks keeps patrons on their toes. Not only do they offer a variety of beverage options but they are also always keeping them dynamic. They now even offer some dinner food options in addition to their lunch menu. Most importantly the popular coffee shop is always developing seasonal drinks- and taking them away too soon. The adoration for pumpkin spice latte created a cult classic–the anticipation for fall is largely related to this factor. Additionally, there’s a choice of hot or iced for almost every drink. Perfect right? Wrong. Starbucks has something for every craving, which keeps you from trying out the new family owned place in your neighborhood that also serves an iced caramel macchiato. The problem is that Starbucks is etched in your everyday life- it is familiar and safe. Ordinarily, Starbucks gets your drink just the way you like so you find outside coffee exploration inefficient and undesirable. Small businesses and local economies often lose out on this and their growth is repeatedly stunted.
Many can relate to a love for Starbucks but also the personal financial toll it takes. Lets face; it the local coffee shop probably serves a similar iced coffee for half the price, but you are risking starting your morning on an unknown and possibly a disappointing foot. Dunkin Donuts could also be a super wallet friendly alternative -especially considering they follow in Starbucks footsteps of flavors-but this could be a road to taste comparison and thus disaster. Furthermore, the Starbucks drinks reward incentives of having the app and gift card is not helping the dilemma. Imagine spending around $4 a day five days a week: that’s $80 a month on drinks alone, which is an annual $1,040 of your hard earned cash on lusting over a beverage. Even half this amount for occasional Starbucks is difficult to compromise.
By heading into a Starbucks, you’re also not being very friendly to your skinny jeans. There are tons of healthy drink choices at Starbucks- teas, iced teas and waters – but let’s face it, we go for the whipped creamed ones, the ones loaded with sugar. It might be disheartening to think of, but one preferred Starbucks’ drink possibly holds the same amount of calories as your entire meal. Even though Starbucks now offers coconut milk, it’s not the same. There’s nothing like real milk in your latte.
Whether it is a daily highlight or adding to debt and your scales, Starbucks is running your life- yet it will likely remain that way, because you love it nonetheless.
