Starbucks is experimenting with adding beer and wine to its menu in order to help boost stock prices. Next week Starbucks will open a new store in Seattle called "15th Ave. Coffee and Tea inspired by Starbucks," to try out this idea. The idea is to bring in more people in the evening time when business starts to slow. There will be a wide variety of beer and wine available, anywhere from $4 to $7. If successful, more stores like this will open in the future.

Would you go to Starbucks for a beer or glass of wine?

I probably wouldn't, no. $4 to $7 a glass is about what I'd pay at my local watering hole, The Taproom; and they have 40 beers on tap. I seriously doubt that Starbucks will have the large selection of GOOD beer that The Taproom has (I'm imagining they'll just have BMC). And I'm pretty sure that the Starbucks crowd are not the type of folks I'd really want to get drunk with. No offense meant to anyone. Besides, I only go to the Taproom once in a blue moon because the prices are so high. $4 to $7 a glass is damn pricey for a product that I can make better, and cheaper.

In my opinion, Starbucks should stick to coffee.

Cheers,
Dave

They ruined coffee (look at blind taste tests), don't let them ruin beer!

I don't know if this is the right forum to ask this question. I can't speak for everyone, but one of the reasons I am passionate about craft beers and homebrewing is that it still seems to be out of the mainstream somewhat. Starbucks is MEGA mainstream and if I am going to spend $6 or $7 dollars on a pint of beer, I am going to frequent my local taphouse whose owners and staff are knowledgeable and passionate about the products. And yes, we are producing a better product at a cheaper price. Additionally, I am a huge supporter of the underdog in most instances. Stopping in for a beer at Starbuck's does not fit into what I am looking for in a beer drinking experience.

I understand the business side of this trial, but like others, I think Starbucks should stick to coffee. I personally love the coffee and frequent occasionally. Still want to boost stock prices? Stop opening a store on every corner. Create more of a demand. I'm no MBA, but I think Starbucks has over-saturated the market with their numerous store locations. They are on every corner, in hotels, and in more and more retail stores like Target. I remember when Starbucks used to be a special treat when you visited another city because there were just so few of them.

I equate this trial to Anheuser Busch trying to crack the craft brewing market with their new products. Or ironically enough, what about McDonald's and their new McCafe coffee bars to go after the Starbucks crowd? It's definitely a dog eat dog world out there right now.

Okay, I'll get off the soap box. Everyone is trying to diversify and survive - I get it. I'm sure the Starbucks coffee drinking clientele has been surveyed and imagine that will be the majority of people in favor of the new offerings. Curious to see how this develops.

Wow, Miguelito... But how do you really feel?

I know! I was all jacked up on my 2 cups of non-Starbucks coffee when I posted that.

I think Starbucks serving beer can be a good thing if they stick to the same premise as their other items. I get the feeling they'll go craft beer and specialty wines, but if they go with local options it'll be even better. What a way to spread the gospel of beer. On the other hand I won't drink there. Ironicly my favorite bar is a place called Venti's Cafe. They always have great beer from around the Northwest. A place like that, owned by people I know, will always get my business over a faceless corporation. Especially a corporation that overcharges in the extreme. Will it work? Maybe, Will I drink it? Heck no!

So, the opening of Starbucks' new coffeehouse has past and there is a myriad of different feelings about the store- much like the forum. Some are excited about the new branch of the Starbucks line, while others are not happy about the opening. Some feel like it will be a great place to hang-out and enjoy a beer or glass of wine while listening to local performers; while others think this is just another play by Corporate America to take business away from local establishments.

The new Starbucks, under the new name 15th Ave Coffee and Tea, is reminiscent of an old-time coffeehouse. Recycled materials were used to create a more rustic feel. Starbucks is trying to appeal to those who drink coffee, as well as those who don't typically spend time in a coffee house. They offer local pastries, smaller batched coffee from around the world, and various forms of live entertainment from poetry readings, music, and actor readings. Not to mention beer and wine, some of which are local and others that are more mainstream.

Have you experienced the new 15th Ave Coffee and Tea?

Vigneron/XpressFill wrote:Have you experienced the new 15th Ave Coffee and Tea?

Mercifully, no.