How to Fix Starbucks: this is an illustration done by Peter Arkle on "suggestions from a panel of coffee geeks and empire builders on what they would do if they were in the caffeine honcho’s shoes" - NY Magazine.
I beg to....... agree. Lol. I love Starbucks - planner and all. I love their hot chocolate, iced latte and cappuccino - except that they don't have iced cappuccino (hence, I go to Figaro). I have been satisfied with their service except for one short, fat b*tch in Starbucks Shell Fort Bonifacio. But yes, things aren't as perfect as they seem.
1) Starbucks coffee, although affordable, is expensive. One has to spend at least P100 to get a cup of coffee. We may ignore the price, but come to think of it, one can get as good or even better coffee/hot choco for a much lower price.
2) Better coffee? Well I'm no coffee connoisseur, but I do love their coffee taste unless maybe because it's what I've gotten used to. Experts say that Starbucks does not overroast well. Their beans are said to be pre-ground before delivery or ground in the morning to last the entire day. Those with a discerning taste would prefer their beans freshly ground seconds before brewing the coffee.
3) Be friendlier - I must say there are more (mas marami; not the 'i'm more prettier than you,' mind you) friendlier baristas here in Manila than in the U.S.. I remember a few months ago at a Starbucks coffee in L.A., I was patiently waiting for my cappuccino by the counter. Everyone else, including customers who ordered way after I did, all got their drinks already - except for me. None of the baristas even asked me what my drink was or even wondered why I've been standing there for like 10 minutes! I finally asked about my drink and she told me with a blank face that she already made my drink minutes ago and that someone probably got it - then ignored me. I'm sorry, pero hindi yun uubra sa kin. I gave her my pinaka-mataray face with one brow highly arched and said "well I never heard you mention a cappuccino and if anyone took it by mistake, there should be an extra drink on the counter." B*itch! Well I didn't call her that but she made my cappuccino anyway, as I intently watched her - making sure she didn't put any "other" ingredient in my cup.
4) Bring back small, medium and large!!! I'm always confused when ordering a size in Starbucks. Some drinks have a "short" size as the smallest, while others have "tall" size as the smallest. Although there may be an explanation for this, not all customers are aware of it. Hence, when I order I always say "smallest" or "medium."
5) Be less ubiquitous. Now, I don't see much of a problem for this, unless I'm a competitor. Indeed Starbucks is everywhere, but I don't see any reason to see it as a disadvantage especially for their loyal customers. I mean I always wished there was a Starbucks in Antipolo where Padis Point is. Now that would be a purr-fect spot.
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