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Grande Nonfat Caramel Macchiato
caffeinated Sin

Alright, anyone that has ever visited my website, has ever met me, or knows anything about me knows that I love coffee, especially Starbucks coffee. Recently I worked at the Starbucks at Hodges library as a latenight barista. Although my employment there hasn't lasted long, I have had the pleasure of serving my fair share of espresso beverages and ice blended frappucinos. In addition, I had the unique opportunity to learn how all of the drinks are created.

In the wake of my third shift job at Starbucks, I have taken it upon myself to learn a lot about the company and how it operates. Now, understand, the location I worked at is not a corporate store but an Aramark-run business associate. Starbucks corporate stores are the ones you'll find in your neighborhood in their independent locations. Starbucks has several business partnerships in places like Hilton hotels, Target and other locations.

Knoxville is a booming market for Starbucks. A few years ago, Hodges Library was their only location. Recently Turkey Creek, Bearden Center, Cumberland Strip and Hilton Hotel locations have been sprouting. Tonight I visited the Cumberland Strip location for the first time. I was surprised at the lack of customers. Although, I will admit the location did open in what seemed like overnight. The new store design is refreshing, modern and still sophisticated and relaxed. I don't anticipate the new campus location cutting into any of the business at the library location. Instead, I see more commuters utilizing the drive through and more hospital and downtown workers stopping in for their addictive stimulants.

If President Bush ever wanted to make money by taxing drugs, caffeine would be the way to go. Unfortunately, some states, such as Tennessee, already tax the impossible-to-harvest-bean, as well as all other foods and necessities. However, if I have to pay an absurd amount of tax on a pack of cigarettes, I should assume to do the same with an equally-costing cup of coffee. Then again, I pay enough taxes, so maybe I should rejoice that my coffee still remains untaxed, except for the ridiculous 9.25% sales tax I pay on it and everything else.

Starbucks as a company is a very interesting entity. Stemming from a little tea and spice shop in Pike Place Market it turned into an everyday corporate, scholastic and metropolitan Mecca which pilgrims visit daily, or in some cases, several times a day. The presence of Starbucks in our society is nowhere exaggerated as much as in the city of Seattle.

Over the summer I took a vacation to Seattle to meet with my parents and experience the city. During my stay there I visited more than 20 Starbucks locations, without ever leaving the downtown area. When you go for a walk in the city, you'll notice several siren-storefronts on every block. However, the most observant will notice never at once can you see two stores at once. I was perplexed by this theory and tested it out on my last day there and seemed convinced that Starbucks would not allow any store to be opened within direct sight of another site.

Most suburbanites reading this will be appalled in my findings as they themselves drive past a Barnes & Noble location, Target location and corporate location all in the same parking lot every day. Careful observation will show you that Starbucks in America is very unlike WaffleHouse in Atlanta, for seldom will you see two full corporate operations in plain sight of each other. Test my theory and tell me what you think...

Tonight's drink: grande nonfat 2-pump caramel macchiato

posted by mindtron on Sunday, October 02, 2005

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