[wprapido]

Starbucks coffee sucks and it's overpriced. As someone who patronises it, I go for cheapest brew, Americano

Starbucks does not compete with local coffee shops, neither with premium chains. They target different markets, serve different needs and got different business models

When do I patronise Starbucks? When I get tired of working from wherever I happen to work from and while on the road. Also I use it as a hangout spots for social and business purposes

Where they have to compete as a proper coffeeshop, they fail miserably (Israel) or struggle big time (Australia)

[nicbou]

I think Starbucks works for the same reason McDonalds works. Their logo is a seal of okayness that works across the globe.

No matter where I am driving in Europe, I know I can step off the highway and find a McDonalds with air conditioning, food, ice cream and Wi-Fi. I know I can use their touch screen terminals and pay with my card, regardless of the local language or currency. It's a meal for when you don't want to think about having a meal. It's logistically convenient.

I suspect Starbucks is the same.

[jmpman]

Agreed, the Americano is the only “normal” coffee item which is a decent value and quality. Their drip is distinctively horrible.