[lostInTheWoods3]

Starbucks customers go there for the customer experience, not for the coffee

Actually we go for the coffee. But there is something to be said for the store experience of Starbucks, it is high-class and delightful, compared to something like Dunkin Donuts.

there is better and cheaper coffee elsewhere, even McDonalds

People who can't taste the difference between McDonalds' coffee and Starbucks, are not in Starbucks demographic. For the price, you can't get a better cup of coffee, unless you're willing to roast the beans yourself.

With that said, the key issues with Starbucks, are long lines, high prices and the wi-fi squatters. I seriously doubt that a cart based coffee stand can address all of these issues.

[tonyarkles]

As a curiosity, have you tried the new McDonald's coffee? I'd call myself a low-mid coffee snob, and I'm pretty impressed with it, for what it is.

I, however, do go to Starbucks to be one of your problems: I'm a wi-fi squatter. I'll go in, get an Americano and sometimes a breakfast sandwich, and sit and work until lunch time. If it gets busy and there's no tables available, I'll leave early.

I get the impression that the organization doesn't see us as a problem though. The Starbucks closest to my house wired in extra outlets so that there's a row of tables with 2 outlets per table. I'm on a first-name basis with all of the staff, and we have deeper conversations beyond "how's your day? good. good."

There is lots of better coffee nearby in my town, but I go there pretty much 100% for the welcoming atmosphere. There's a place that's across the street from a Starbucks with little signs on the tables that say "If you're staying for longer than 45 minutes, please make another purchase." I don't go there very often; we obviously don't have compatible desires from the exchange.

[bane]

McDonald's regular brewed coffee has always been quite good (same with Dunkin' Donuts), and they brew it fresh constantly.

The 'McCafe' or whatever they call it espresso-style drinks are pretty poor.

However, most McDonald's offer free wi-fi that's usually faster than Starbucks, usually don't have many people in them, and don't mind you sitting around for a couple hours working on stuff. Bonus, they have a better menu of stuff to snack on than Starbucks.

[DrScump]

most don't "brew it fresh constantly". they keep the pot on the burner until it is empty (or in newer hardware, store it in an urn that limits air exposure somewhat) until they need more. None I've seen actually time a brew set and throw it out when it hits that shelf-life counter, like Starbucks (let alone do individual pourover brewing like better coffee shops).

[bane]

McDonald's requires their franchises to brew a fresh pot every 30 minutes (I'm not saying all do, but I've seen it happen often enough I'm pretty sure most stores follow the rule, McDonald's brand is built on consistency across stores).

They also source their beans from Gaviña, a well considered supplier, who I believe does the roasting as well.

[mcdougle]

I love coffee, particularly darker roasts. I tend to drink my coffee black, I usually buy better-quality coffee (pretty much all big-brand store-bought coffee, e.g. Folger's, is bland and weak).

That said, I hate Starbucks coffee. I'm sure their fancy, sugary drinks are better (and the reason people prefer them to another coffee place) but as far as just black coffee goes, Starbucks is terrible.

Dunkin Donuts is better (particularly the dark roast) and I also enjoy the new McDonald's coffee (although it seems to depend on location, some McDonald's seem to be better than others).