What the deici?

Mike Johnson Greenwich CT — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:25:37 GMT

Good coffee, uncomplicated. Plain and simple. The uptight and complicated customer goes to Starbucks.

What the deici?

Athena — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:24:57 GMT

I love the ad campaign, but hate the coffee--weak and bland. (Which I guess is what Mike Johnson means by "uncomplicated.") I prefer Starbucks coffee for flavor, but find their gimmicky menu jargon and bizarre drink concoctions amusing. I always order the same thing at the Starbucks drivethrough: "I want your LARGEST-sized coffee, with cream please." Works every time. Believe me, they'll take your money even if you don't use their code words for small, medium and large.

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Zach Young, Denver, CO — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:28:59 GMT

Better yet, try one of the hordes of local coffee shops (and smaller chains, like Dazbog coffee, for example). They all offer the "simple" small/medium/large choices, and their coffee is usually much better than large corporate chains.

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Alex, Santa Fe, NM — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:46:14 GMT

A pet peeve of mine:

Something that I do often (curse my flawed mind) is I'll order things in, I don't know what to call them, "proprietary sizes", at a place different than the originators.

Example - order a "medium" at Starbucks, or a "grande" at Seattle's Best

The barista's always act like I switched from English to some un-intelligible language.

"WHAT size did you want?!?!"

Jeez, by the point, if you work in a coffee shop of any sort, you know what Starbuck's calls their sizes and vice versa. Please just make me my overpriced latte?

What the deici?

Pete, NYC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:42:14 GMT

...."it's called a latte becuase it costs a latte".

I can't stand Star Bucks....4.95 for a large coffee?
Paaaleeeze.

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James, NYC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:43:49 GMT

I still think people are making a little too much of the Starbucks way of business. It's no different say for instance when you go to a fast food place with their own jargon for burgers or salads. Dunkin, depending on where you go can also cost more than sbucks with menus that has so much stuff on it trying to find the coffee prices and choices is a challenge. I'm also would like to know who in the blazes came up with BLUEBERRY COFFEE!! To me their coffee is weak and not consistent. Call me a coffee snob, but for my money I go to where the "uptight" people go where they say hello remember my drink of the day and will always make up for any mistakes they make.

I used to drink Dunkin for years and now that I drink Sbucks it still amazes me how people think you can compare the two companies. It just appears to me Dunkin and McD's are going out of their way to do the same thing they are ridiculing Sbucks for except calling the sizes a different name

What the deici?

Missy, Louisville, KY — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:59:03 GMT

My biggest irk about these ads is that they riff on the "grande/venti" thing being in a foreign language, like folks can't pronounce them, but completely ignore the fact that the word "latte" itself is an Italian word. Like "here, you can order your "latte" in English, and not have to worry about those fancy furrin' words!!" That irritates me every single time.

What the deici?

Captain — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:59:09 GMT

I just want my coffe in the morning and if you happen to be on my way to work I might get it from you. Now if I want to make my wife happy I have to go the three miles to Starbucks and get her a carmel machiatto and I might get a 140 degree extra foam two splenda non fat latte. It all depends on our moods. Now making fun of the other guys is always enjoyable, to bad I havn't seen the commercials. Did I mention I love my DVR? saves me enough time to go get coffee for the wife.

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Joe NYC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:10:07 GMT

hands down; Dunkin Donuts coffee rules !!!!

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James Bowe, NYC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:17:35 GMT

Mike Johnson needs to chill. All different types of people go to Starbucks. Similarly, people of every ilk enjoy D-squared. Why you gotta pigeon-hole and be all divisive? I rarely drink coffee (a large capuccino every now and again). Like most of the things I purchase, I try to go to a local shop, as it's usually higher quality, and keeps money in my community. But I must say, most dunkin donuts shops have a cold, uninviting feeling. Like all fast food joints, they want to get you out as fast as they got you in. Most starbucks stores are far more comfortable and inviting. If you are actually planning on sitting down for a coffee break, and can't find a good mom and pop coffeehouse, Starbucks is clearly the way to go. For takeout, everybody will have different opinions based on the taste I suppose....

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Pam, Indiana — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:22:41 GMT

Do what I do - purchase a containter of Illy and make it at home. Wonderful!

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John, NYC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:29:55 GMT

I like Dunkin Donuts for the simple reason its tasty, quick and convenient to my commute. However, I hate the new commerical as it portrays Dunkin Donuts coffee drinkers as simple and wanting to avoid Italian and French (Frittalian is what I think they call it). So now all Dunkin Donuts coffee drinkers are portrayed this way........I can't wait to be seen with a Dunkin Donuts coffee cup now!

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Annemarie Walsh San Antonio Texas — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:40:22 GMT

Dunkin Donuts coffee is the best; better than Charbucks, or the many mini-marts around.

They should hire Tim Duncan to do their ads.

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Judy Naugatuck CT — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:46:37 GMT

Dunkin Donuts Coffee is truly the best of the best. I run on the stuff so their slogan America Runs on Dunkin works for me. Starbucks coffee tastes like old dirty socks rung thru cardboard and then brewed. Yeeeeecccchhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

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Mel, Manassas, VA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:49:00 GMT

I like to order a "Biggie" at Starbucks. It makes some baristas mad, some laugh. I am sure the marketing dufus that came up with "venti" wouldn't like it. But then, I am a smarter dufus than him.

What the deici?

Boomers' Rock, Boston, MA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:49:24 GMT

Starbucks is too strong and bitter for me. DD's is just right. I know what weak coffee is, I just came back from a trip to NC/SC!

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Kim, Silver Spring MD — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:51:48 GMT

As someone who worked in a Starbucks in a resort town one summer, filled with tourists that asked for a vanilla cappuccino, frankly it's insulting when they came in and didn't know anything. But that didn't stop them from trying, or learning. They eventually got it - and I got a few hooked on the white mocha in the process. The problem is the folks who are too intimidated to even go into a Starbucks for fear they won't like anything, or for their ignorance that the only thing they sell is coffee.

Starbucks is popular because it's completely customizable - without sacrificing speed (in most cases, anyway). This is something that many other places, including Dunkin with their poor espresso machines, could learn from. As far as this coffee feud goes, I still don't think you can compare the two brands.

When I was a barista, I remember I had someone insist on giving them a Mocha Cappuccino. Oh, I made it, to Starbucks standards (those being a traditional Italian cappuccino) - plus mocha syrup. It looked awful, as it should, because that's clearly not what he was expecting. The person realized their mistake in one sip, and was too proud to request a different drink. He learned a lesson that day...

Starbucks is not the enemy, guys! Just step outside your comfort zone once in awhile.

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Lily Washington, DC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:00:05 GMT

In a country so obsessed by the desire to "Speak English Only", and other anti-immagrant sentiments, I'm shocked with the Starbucks barista insistence in correcting me when I use sizes like "small, medium and large". I HAVE to speak english when ordering a cheesesteak at Geno's in Philadelphia, but at Starbucks i'm required to speak Italian. Can someone please clarify?

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JT, Austin, TX — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:06:48 GMT

I think Kim from Silver Spring sums up why people dislike Starbucks. A sense of entitlement from the "baristas". You make coffee, sweetheart, you're not saving lives. I'll conceed that Starbucks offers better healthcare for their employees, but beyond that you have to let go of that pretentious attitude.

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Theresa Downingtown, PA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:15:03 GMT

I like both places. It depends on what I'm in the mood for or how much "change" is in my pocket at the moment. I think there are two reasons people are against Starbucks....for one group it's the price and the other group is intimidated by it. I was intimidated the first time I went. You don't know what most of the stuff is on the menu and you are afraid to look like a food by asking. It's that simple. Oh, and the "Fratalian" song is catchy if not annoying. After I hear it I can't get it out of my head for hours. Still like the coffee though.

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mark, seattle, wa — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:25:00 GMT

Inverted snobbery is always fun to highlight, but is also for the weak. Viva la robusto cafe!

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E Yow, San Jose CA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:30:08 GMT

I love how people complain about having to pay $5 for a large coffee at Starbucks, when that's more like the price for a latte or cappuchino. A large coffee is $2...the same price as a large coffee at any of the other coffee shops in my area. And I've never had a problem when I go into any given coffee shop and simply ask for a "large coffee". When they call it out after it's done, sure, they'll say Venti Drip or something, but no one's ever sneered at me, or asked me what I meant, or anything like that. Who knew that Californians were so friendly? ;)

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Sonya, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:31:44 GMT

Dunkin Doorknobs treats you like a child by not letting you cream your own stinking coffee. They put too much cream (even when I specifically ask for a "tiny bit") in their weak coffee. Yea, the hazelnut, er, flavorized brewed coffee is good. Let me cream my own coffee!!!!

Starbucks is great. I use the word Medium all of the time.

Thank you.

What the deici?

Jei, Columbis, OH — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:32:39 GMT

Deici? Large, of course. You'd think they'd use Spanish language terms (in place of italian) since more-and-more citizens are more-likely to speak spanish as a second (or even first) language. Wasn't that the "big" topic a couple years ago? Within 10-20 years, there will be more people in the US speaking spanish (or some form of it) than US english as a first language.

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Maria, Long Island, New York — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:35:11 GMT

So why does Dunkin Donuts call still call some of its drinks "Lattes?" If you're gonna' walk the walk then you'd better talk the talk!

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Roland, BOston, MAss — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:37:40 GMT

Idea has been done before. The coffee is weak and watered down. Starbucks, Peets, Seattle's Best are the majors and Dunkin the minor league.

The advertising agency is pursuing an irrelevant tack in my opinion.

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Mike L CA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:46:14 GMT

It's simple:

I HATE LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE JUST TO ORDER COFFEE!!!!!!

I have always resented this and believe that these fake "airs" that Starbucks makes you dance to just adds to the phony baloney nuevo riche bourgeoisie feel that is Starbucks.

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Kim, Silver Spring MD — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:54:26 GMT

I half-agree, JT from Austin. When I worked there it's obvious how corporate the atmosphere is, and how drone-like you become from working there. There is a huge pressure to dish out perfect portioned beverages, but I think most baristas are pretty good about explaining things to you. I know during our down-times I did that with customers who had never been there before. They seriously were thankful for the information! I think when you work there, you get used to the pace, then someone throws you a curveball and it gets you out of sync. (think of those visa commericals when the person comes up to the counter with a checkbook). But I still try to order correctly when I go because it speeds things along, especially when I need to get to the office, I don't want to waste time.

And JT, I think my experience rubbed you the wrong way - I don't think I was being pretentious, it's just that in that particular case, the customer was wrong, and I did what any person in the service industry is trained to do: give the customer what he wanted - not to say he was wrong!

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elinden1, Wilmington, DE — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:54:33 GMT

Interesting that the commercial features an employee who is a white anglo-saxon protetant-looking female, which is clearly not the stanard DD employee profile.

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Kathy, Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:55:00 GMT

I go to my Starbucks for the whole experience- great coffee and friendly people that make me feel special. I have never been made to feel foolish. If Dunkin didn't feel threatened by Starbucks, they wouldn't compare or think about them. Give great service and serve a great product that is all we want! huh, imagine that!

What the deici?

Mike, Seattle, Wa. — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:00:15 GMT

I make my own coffee at home, sneer in the mirror, and save $4.50. Just put Kim out of a job, too.

Double bonus.

What the deici?

Mike T, Los Angeles — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:03:21 GMT

Starbucks snobbery? Going to Starbucks has become about as fashionable and hip as going to McDonalds. It used to be a cool place with a coffee house atmosphere where lovers of good coffee could hang out. Now it has been taken over by the Walmart crowd and its standards have been lowered accordingly. Here in LA we former Starbucks drinkers left them long behind and moved on to other smaller coffee chains which have not yet been overrun by the teeny boppers thinking they're cool by buying their McLattes.

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G, Troy IL — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:12:46 GMT

I gotta say, my two local coffee shops have MUCH better lattes, mochas and frappes than Starbucks! And fresher bakery products too. It's only when I am desperate do I go to a Starbucks. I also think Starbucks has stretched itself too thi-- come on, a Starbucks on every corner? Who are they trying to be... McD's???? Which I must say has better iced coffee than Starbucks too! To each his own I say!

What the deici?

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:18:59 GMT

But y'know, no matter how many varieties Dunkin comes out with (and I guarantee they'll never get to the nit-picking, snob-tastic heights of Starbucks), Dunkin always wins, simply because I can order without having to learn special lingo created to make pretentious idiots feel special. If I want a little one, I order a SMALL. If I want a big one, I get a LARGE. No translator needed, thankyouverymuch.

What the deici?

Kim, Silver Spring MD — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:31:32 GMT

Such hatred for someone who doesn't even work at Starbucks anymore!

I did get a big-girl job, guys, let's stay focused on the company and not personal attacks.

What the deici?

greg,pinecrest,fl — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:32:43 GMT

their coffee is like brown water. They have to offer more robust flavor. This is why starbucks is my choice. New types of coffee each day, forget about the over priced lattes, moca - blah blah, their flavor of the day coffees offer something diffrent instead of the same old thing everyday. even Mcdonalds has better coffee than d. donuts.

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Mitch K, Janesville, WI — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:39:46 GMT

When I want a dark overpriced liquid that America can't seem to live without I'll call a Saudi.

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Brian, Sacramento CA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:50:34 GMT

I agree with Mike T from LA, Starbucks used to be cool, but it has been overrun with teens thinking they are just too hip. I prefer the one off coffee houses anymore, screw the chains.

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YH, Redwood City, CA — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:06:23 GMT

What happened to the good old homeade coffee? People have just become too lazy to make their own - always on the go. Personally I don't care for coffee, it makes me feel lazy and sleepy.

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Olivia, TN — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:12:00 GMT

For me it doesn't have to be one or the other. I'm glad we have both to choose from. DD has great tasting coffee, plus the french crullers donuts that go great together. If I need the extra caffeine in my system, a tall StarBucks is more than enough. Besides, you can add the powder vanilla available with different sweetners you can't find at DD.

What the deici?

s lembeck — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:50:33 GMT

it goes against my sexual orientation to order anything at starbucks. very pretentious. very lame. suggested posture when ordering a grande from starbucks. bend over

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Hoosier Dad, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:55:18 GMT

D2: a little on the weak side, and seriously, why can't I cream that coffee myself. "Just a TINY bit of cream" and it comes back looking like a cup of milk.

Starbucks: Seriously - people are intimidated by 19 yo drop outs serving coffee? The real problem with SB is that the seriously overroast their beans, which I think they do to make is consistent (consistently bad and bitter).

If you all want REAL coffee, buy some fresh beans - the green kind, and then get a pan roaster and roast them yourselves on the stovetop. You will get an incredible flavor that will make you wonder if you have ever really had coffee before.

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Ron B — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:00:45 GMT

I just can't drink Star bucks coffee. It tastes like swill. Just because you add four times the regular amount of coffee to the pot, it does not make it 'bold'. It just taste like ermm...shat. If it takes half a cup of creamer to make a dent in the color, it's not right. If I wanted burned coffee, I'd just grab some from work after it's been on the burner for 4 hours. I wonder if strong coffee can ruin your taste buds? ;)

As to the attitude that store presents, I'm afraid that's obvious from some of the posters here who feel they are obviously of a better class of patron. A legend in their own minds...

What the deici?

Barbara Anderson, Alameda, California — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:01:40 GMT

I find that Starbucks coffee is much better than Dunkin Donuts. I think that Dunkin Donuts should stick to what they do best, which is Donuts and leave the coffee making to someone (like Starbucks) who will do the better job. If you do not like Starbucks, don't complain, just don't go there!

What the deici?

Nick Alexander, Coppell, Texas — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:02:10 GMT

Deici is mis-spelled. It should be spelled dieci...and it means "ten" in Italian. BTW Starbucks "Venti" means twenty!

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XMAN, Seattle — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:12:11 GMT

Starbucks makes some pretty good coffee to me. Not the best or the worst but you always know what you're going to get. I however, have to agree with JT, Austin, TX. The pretentiousness I get when I go in their can get really old. After all YOUR JUST SERVICE COFFEE.

What the deici?

Craig, Chicago, Illinois — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:15:35 GMT

Dunkin Donuts makes a big deal about how simple they are. I know in any of the Dunkin Donuts I go to ( Chicago area), they are run by people who do not speak english well, and when you ask for extra sugar, they scold you for ordering coffee and not sugar.
At least at Starbucks, you can order what you want, communicate with the associate, and know you get what you want every time.
America runs on Dunkins, but Starbucks is run by Americans.

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XMAN, Seattle — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:17:51 GMT

What the deici?

Bryan, Calgary, AB — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:29:48 GMT

I don't know about you guys, but the best coffee is up north at Tim Hortons. Dunkin is alright, Starbucks is way overrated & it's not even that good. Until you've had a Timmy's, you haven't had coffee. And yes they come in small,medium & large. Next time your in Canada, just stop in at one, you see.

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Curata et Industria — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:55:56 GMT

It's about time. I never fit the pretensious attitudes of Southern California- expecially that type of person- shallow, narrow minded, disconnected from reality.
I applaude Dunkin for making the normal people tolerable again!
;-p to Warbucks....

What the deici?

Jeremy W — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:59:51 GMT

A lot of you just seem too unintelligent to order at Starbucks.

Simple and boring works for some people, try to open your minds a little bit. It wouldn't hurt to learn something new.

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jim opheim, mt — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:26:11 GMT

starbucks is a ripoff. period! besides, dunkin donuts has better tasting coffee!

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Dale Wethered — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:56:21 GMT

I currently live in Kansas City, Missouri where when confronted with a Starbucks invasion, local coffee houses responded by custom-roasting their own raw beans. I am now an unapologetic coffee snob who has learned that for good coffee one can never go to a a mass market shop like Starbucks. For optimum taste beans should be roasted no more than three weeks prior to grinding and at a maximum the beans should be ground no more than one week prior to brewing, but in the best world; beans should be ground just prior to brewing.

What the deici?

JLM, Middle GA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:03:56 GMT

As someone who has lived throughout the country the best thing about Starbucks is being able to get the same cup of coffee no matter where you go.

Not real thrilled about not being able to cream and sugar my own coffee at DD.

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Michael, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:22:35 GMT

and people wonder why I drink water.

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Starbucks Goddess, Hartford Connecticut — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:23:06 GMT

Yes, all stupid people with the intelligence of a table napkin should definitely go to Dunkin Donuts, because you can't handle choices. For those of use who 'like it our way', we will continue to order and love our Grande 2-pump 180 degree white chocolate non-fat, no whip mocha!

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Bri, Seattle WA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:46:58 GMT

I realize starbucks is expensive, but its great.
and if you don't live in seattle you don't know what i am talking about because if its not made in seattle its just not as good.
I have tried starbucks in four other states and it doesn't compare to seattle starbucks.

Oh and dunkin donuts coffee is sick.

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AB, Fl — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:58:25 GMT

It's coffee people. If you like Dunkin's go to Dunkin's, if you like Starbucks go to Starbucks and stop the whining. You'd think that something of actual substance was being argued here.

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Mike Then, Rocky Mount, NC — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:02:30 GMT

Dunkin' Donuts is the best coffee out there, period. I get such a kick out of watching these uptight yuppies order a 20-word snooty-sounding replacement for the word "foamy coffee". And Starbuck's coffee is strong, which surprises me that it's so popular. It's not bad coffee, don't get me wrong, it's the atmosphere that intimidates me when I simply want to order a medium coffee.

Glad to see that idiot former CEO of Starbuck's out the door; he's the reason they have slipped in popularity. "Open a new Starbuck's every day". How many bankrupt companies and fired CEO's is it going to take before these bonehead executives realize that fast growth is not always a good thing?

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LJ — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:02:37 GMT

This is a tempest in a tea, oops, coffee pot.

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Mary Ann, Jamestown NY — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:02:51 GMT

Give me a Tim Horton's cup or some Folger's at home and I'm in heaven AND I just saved 4.95!

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Colleen — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:22:10 GMT

It's time to get over these chains and support local coffee houses. My two favorites couldn't be farther apart, but thanks to Internet sales, I can order my beans from one and enjoy some of the most delicious freshly-ground, freshly brewed coffee in the world sitting on my couch every morning (Sweet Italian with real cream), and thanks to proximity, I can stop in (yes, there's no drive in, it's in one of the most historic buildings in the US-you have to get out of your car and order in the shop) and enjoy the other most wonderful coffee in the world. So to the Castro Cheesery in San Francisco and to the Orange Cat in Lewiston, NY: Who needs Starbucks and DD!! You guys are the best!

What the deici?

Derek Davis, Seatle, WA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:43:05 GMT

This is hilarious. Mike Johnson is a conservative. James Bowe is a liberal. Sbux isn't known for their coffee, it's the experience, and most appealing to those who also chase fads.

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Doc, Tallahassee, FL — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:54:10 GMT

When I am driving, I usually stop for coffee at McDonald just for convenience and price, but it bugs me that although some of the stores have three sizes, some only have two - in which case the medium size might be the new large. Or not. At least at Starbucks, I know what size I am ordering.

What the deici?

Tom T Penfield, NY — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:54:30 GMT

Dunkin Donuts coffee is by far superior to Starbucks. Granted, like any franchise there can be some variances in quality for a whole range of reasons even though the stores should be using the same equipment and methods. This is true of any chan and certainly not exclusive to DD.

Sbucks coffee is way to strong. The coffee tastes as though the beans were burnt instead of roasted. I've tried several varieties and have not found a single one that I liked.

At Dunkin Donuts you can enjoy your coffee the way you like it without having to learn a second language, without having to deal with arrogant "Baristas" (give me a break) who forget they are simply retail clerks, and without being overcharged because it's "that chain". You can get a simple cup of regular coffee, espresso, cappaucino, or make it as complicated as you wish (XL coffee 5 splenda skim milk double shot of french vanilla)
Better tasting, friendlier staff, and more reasonably priced.

What the deici?

Steve — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:59:42 GMT

I'll take Dunkin Donuts over BIGBUCKS anyday

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Craig, Rock Island, IL — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:00:44 GMT

Coffee is coffee. Starbucks is like coffee wine coolers for the juice-box generation who can't stand the taste of anything that isn't jacked full of sugar.

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Charlie, Brookhaven, MS — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:01:52 GMT

Dunkin, Starbucks, Seatle's Best; whatever. To paraphrase George Orwell, "All coffee is good, some coffee is better than others." That said, and despite the fact that I am a rather proud American, when it comes to just plain great coffee or, should you so choose, a limited number of specialty coffee drinks Canada rules!! Tim Horton's is the worlds greatest! (having lived and worked in nearly half the world's countries I am somewhat qualified to make that comment)

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Eric, Whitefish, MT — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:11:54 GMT

I think Starbucks espresso is really good. And I think we Americans are spoiled rotten.

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L. Anderson — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:29:08 GMT

No matter what dunking donuts does to try to make them seem like they offer a better product, everyone must remember this. if you go into a dunking donuts establishment they will NOT make you 1/2 calf, 2 & 1/2 pump, 1/2 soy and 1/2 non-fat, no foam, extra hot, double cupped, no sleeve, cinnamon powder lattes. they don't care about customer care, they just want to make a buck. Starbucks partners truly care about the drink they are handing you, and if you don't think they do, ask for the manager on duty. They will ALWAYS remake anything for you, and that is something dunking donuts will never commit to.

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Peggykb9, Shullsburg, WI — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:35:15 GMT

For a good cup of coffee, try a Tim Hortons shop. Wish they were more commoon in the States. We'd have a viable, tasty alternative to Starbucks and its wannabes.

What the deici?

Greg, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:38:28 GMT

I think DD got their commercial idea from this woman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFLs9RI8mSA&feature=related

They simply shortened it and reenacted the conversation.

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Val, TX — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:41:47 GMT

A really good place to go is Saxby's. They are expanding nationally and they have great coffee drinks. Check 'me out!

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john doe — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:47:02 GMT

Starbucks is so 90's

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Dougall, Sarnia, Ontario — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:01:50 GMT

I went into McD's the other day and after my meal I ordered a cone... Now I know that they only sell one size of cone, but on the register it came up as a 'small' cone. I asked the server if they had other sizes, she said no, only 'small'. So, I said, the 'small' is really a 'regular'. She didn't get it. By the way, our Canadian institution Tim Horton's coffee is making an entry into the US market, and they make excellent coffee at a reasonable price. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has tried theirs and the other two mentioned above. Cheers from Canada

What the deici?

Harry, Lincoln, NE — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:17:47 GMT

You all have it wrong-McDonalds premium blend for 52 cents(Senior size) beats all.

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Hickey (real name), Tucson, AZ — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:22:45 GMT

I keep reading how people think that by putting venti or grande on teh menu, starbucks is "making" you use those words to order. I can't be entirely sure about this, but I doubt any willing consumer has been tossed onto the sidewalk by foam wielding baristass for referring to their coffee as large rather than venti. Quit griping about nothing.

What the deici?

Katie, Seoul, South Korea — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:50:07 GMT

Please be nice. Kim from Silver wasn't being a snob, only positive. And at the end of the day, it's coffee. If you are that unhappy with it, go somewhere else. Do what makes you smile and leave the negativity elsewhere. Pick the small coffee shop in your town, or the big chain that has the store close to your work. Drink coffee, tea, morning urine, grape juice, kava root, beer or vodka. Just take it all with a grain of salt.

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Nick, waldport, or — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:07:42 GMT

I don't do Star Bucks & I don't do Dunkin Donuts. Give me a small town barista in a Mom & Pop shop any day.

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Beau, Long Beach, CA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:54:58 GMT

Let me put this into perspective: I am going to pay $ 4.50 for a CUP of coffee when I can spend $ 3.50 for a GALLON of gasoline? People bitch like crazy about the price of gas, yet they spend more for a stinking cup of coffee????? Boy, it makes you wonder just where our priorities are these days. I go to most places and spend about $ 1.00 for a refillable cup of joe, and save the $ 3.50 for something far more important....... for the gallon of gas that gets me to work and back home every day. Besides, I can make my own coffee any freaking way I like at home, with anything I want in it, and call it whatever I want to, for FAR less than $ 4.50 per cup........... And I absolutely refuse to spend
$ 10.00 per ticket to go see a movie, and another
$ 7.00 for popcorn and $ 4.50 for a soda. I could BUY a movie for that price on DVD, and have it forever, to watch over and over again........and don't get me started on the insane prices for everything else, like ink for my inkjet printer, white-out, cologne, perfume, roses, automobiles, homes, hotel rooms, taxes 3 times over on everything we buy, property taxes, income taxes, gasoline tax, thumb tax (tacks), etc, etc, etc. Oh, brother, give a guy a break, will ya???????????? Ow, let go of my arm! Geeeeez! I think you get my point...........

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R, Seattle, WA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:00:19 GMT

As a Barista in Seattle (and no not at S-Bux or any other corporate chain) I find Kim's attitude pretentious- you need to educate the customer, a lot of people just order what they think sounds like a coffee order, they don't really understand the difference. If someone orders a mocha cappuccino make sure they know exactly what that is before you make it. You both will be much happier.

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T., San Diego, CA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:15:09 GMT

I love Starbucks because it tastes great. I couldn't care less about the language that I order my drink in. The Dunkin Donuts ads make it seem as if you're incapable of pronouncing a simple word or just stupid, come here. Not really a good ad campaign in my opinion.

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Justin, Denton, TX — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:33:37 GMT

Brew your own or go to local spots. Stop acting like you have to go "out of your way" to find a good local shop.

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Lydia, Milan IT (originally LI, NY) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:35:57 GMT

I'll settle this argument once and for all. Dunkin is better for a simple cup of coffee. Starbucks is better for "Italian" drinks- espresso etc. And by the way, a Cappuccino should never be a venti. A Latte should never have foam. By definition, a latte should be coffee and steamed milk- but no foam.

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Bob, Seattle, WA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:04:58 GMT

This commercial gives me the impression they are insulting their customers' intellect.

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Jim, Amelia Island, FL — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:14:44 GMT

Further update: You also misspelled "DEICI" It's "DIECI"

Comment on Starbucks: At 150 degrees, their "standard" temperature is too hot for safety. Check your home water heater; it's covered with warnings that anything over 125 degrees creates the risk of death by scalding. Real Italian coffee (in Italy) is served well within the safety level.

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Thomas — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:23:52 GMT

Starbucks has made it in large part because it's as much about the coffee (even if many find it harsher and acidic when compared to what they are used to) as it is about the quality of the overall service and the overall brand name. The well-trained staff aren't surly, don't complain, and don't make you wait that long. The brand speaks of quality and care going into making every drink right.

As for the names like Venti, Tall, Grande, etc., that's part of their brand. Nobody runs a commercial that makes fun of Big Macs, Whoppers, etc. -- can you imagine it? I think it might go something like this:

It begins with a man standing in a red-paneled burger shop, thinking out loud, "Can I get a hamburger..."

"Oh, a Big Mac?" the salesperson interjects.

A confusing back-and-forth ensures, until the flummoxed customer finally asks, "What's a Big Mac?"

"It's a hamburger," the salesperson admits.

Somehow, the joke just doesn't hold up there anymore. The reason is the strength of the McD's brand and its familiarity to the American People.

What amazes me is that in an area so crowded -- little diners and coffee shops on every corner, Dunkin Donuts in every town, one man built an empire out of an idea. Why? Because he got it right. Those who make fun of what he did in creating Starbucks have missed the point -- people vote as much with their feet and wallets as they do on the first Tuesday in November.

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Pops, Fort Worth, Tx. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:40:21 GMT

$5 for a .25 cup of coffee is as bad as a buck for tap water in a bottle. Then you give the person who's doing all the work a tip and the boss keeps it. Adds insult to injury. You used to get arrested for such scams. There is one born every minute, isn't there? All so you can look cool carrying a cup with an extra piece of cardboard around it. I bet the guy who sold solar powered clothes dryers for $500 a shot came up with all the fancy names for brewed coffee that you can make on your kitchen counter. If you can't pronounce it you can't afford it and don't need all the extra calories that make it fancy. Want something to compare to? Try vending machine coffee.. makes you appreciate Maxwell House and a coffee pot. But, you got your quarter's worth (if the cup fell straight down... if not you got sprayed..) and it was hot and you choked it down on your 10 minute break and went back to work.

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Joe, WV — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:55:59 GMT

The best coffee is fresh coffee. Roast your own beans. It's simple, fast, and inexpensive. And you don't have to worry about what you call it - other than delicicous every time you have a cup.

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Rich — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:04:43 GMT

Starbucks sells snob appeal but head to head they beat Dunkin Donuts crappy coffee anyday! Starbucks makes good strong coffee and DD's coffee tastes like water!

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Sara, Dallas, TX — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:26:49 GMT

I find Starbucks baristas so friendly!! Once I went into a starbucks all stressed out ( i was going through a difficult time). The barista ( a complete stranger) said I looked so tired and stressed out...listened to my story for a minute and said, the drink is on the house!! I was mad at the entire world and that incident made me happier for at least some time.

Don't think any person in DD (I don't know if half of them can even speak proper english) would have done that!!

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Big Tuna, South Bend, IN — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:01:32 GMT

It must be depressing to write a blog about advertising and marketing and get so many comments from people who obviously don't understand advertising and marketing.

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Matt — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:59:56 GMT

I have started to go to Starbucks every other day because it's ina conveninet location and the one thing that I've started to notice is that their coffee- without all the bells and whistles of strange flavoured syrup, steamed milk in demerara sugar- is actually poorly brewed and tastes disgusting. My local Starbucks was actually giving small (sorry, tall!) cups of plain coffee away and nobody wanted them!
I then decided to go to Dunkin Donuts, just to try. Lo and behold, I tasted the best (albeit starngest) flavour for coffee ever: BLUEBERRY COFFEE! (note: don't knock it until you try it!)

For basic coffee, I wouldn't go to either.

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Dave, Ann Arbor, MI — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:20:21 GMT

Starbucks uses cheap over roasted beans. Full City Roast is code for this coffee is 25 % carbon ash. Do I drink it? Yes, it's better than the Folgers at work. Do I drink if it if I have the choice of something better? No. SB shouldn't be worried about D2; they should be worried about McDonalds.

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lyricalcoder, Ohio — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:29:08 GMT

Ah..the call of the mild.....

When I go into Starbucks, I resign myself to speaking Starbucks geekease...

I order a "Venti" hot chocalate with a JFK of carmel.

In Starbucks' parlance, a "JFK" of something is 3 shots!!!! :)

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Carrie, MA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:30:13 GMT

What about good ol' LOCAL coffee shops. With StarBucks and D&D popping up on every street corner, locally owned shops that encourage community members to come in, sit down and share converstaion are rapidly disappearing.

We have had two Local coffee shops - of which both had welcoming atmoshpheres and good coffee to boot, go out of business because a Dunkin Donuts owner has opened yet a third D&D in an 8 mile radius. This particular owner owns and operates 32 Dunkin Donuts stores from MA to Florida. So while a few wealthy business owners continue to monopolize, getting richer in the process, the rest of those with a dream and a modest savings account can try, and try to live the american dream, but unless you can afford to buy a "brand" your chances of success seem less likely. Where is the authenticity?

We continue to be the drones that follow the brand. And as long as we do so, we can expect the socio-economic gap to widen. We mine as well slap "brand" labels on our foreheads and call our selves unoriginal Americans.

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Sharon , Canterbury CT — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:39:00 GMT

I bought myself a little coffe maker and make my own at my desk every morning. I splurged and also bought a flavored cream from the supermarket. I got a good brand on sale and now it is only about $6.00 a month for all the fresh coffee I want all day. With the economy like it is, this was an easy way to make up some of my lost "gas" money. (not to mention not wasting gas while in the drive through lane)

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Jackie Robinson, Twinsburg, OH — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:46:23 GMT

I'm a little late jumping into this conversation but I need to say this. The barista(?) who says it is insulting when people come in and don't know is mistaken. We don't know and so good customer service would, excuse me, should move you to help us through the process. I went to a Starbucks and will never return. The barista treated me like an idiot and rushed me without once offering to help me through the process. "That isn't a size we offer" and "please make you selection there are others in line" is not customer service it is customer herding. Keep your Starbucks customer snobery.
Early in the morning all I want is a nice cup of coffee. I get that at Dunkin and I even get a smile. That is customer service and that is what makes Dunkin the best. Because coffee is best when served by a friend.

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Phil — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:53:00 GMT

You hillbillies go ahead and go to Dunkin'... Those of us not afraid of a little diversity or of the terms tall, grande or venti will continue to go to Starbucks...

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CM, PA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:55:12 GMT

Starbucks is the worst. All I want is a regular cup of coffee, black. Starbucks only offers one variety of coffee at a time...extra bold (which is bitter and too strong) . How can a coffee shop with a million varieties only brew one variety at a time??? And they wonder why sales are down...I'll take DD any day of the week. It's a well balanced medium roast.

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Shannon — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:55:35 GMT

Hey there, "Mike L CA"! I hate having to learn three new languages just to decipher the ending of your comment. Perhaps there was just a tiny amount of hypocrisy there? Maybe? No, you wouldn't do that, would you?

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Dave, Schaumburg, IL — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:02:08 GMT

All of Starbucks marketing ploys are aimed one simple target: pretention. The vast majority of Starbucks customers go there because it's the "in" thing to do. The proof lies in the fact that very few of them actually like genuine coffee. Those frappe-latte-mocha-grande-halfcaf bezelnut concoctions peddled to people's vanity are as closely related to coffee as Paris Hilton is to role models. Starbucks business is declining becaseu they've been around too long to be vogue anymore, and that's probably a good thing. The sad thing is, Dunkin Donuts' new advertising approach could actually casst them as "reactionary vogue", and then we coffee lovers will have to wait in line behind the vacuous converted Starbucks twits while they truy to figure out what "medium" and "large" mean.

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Tom Willhoite, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:02:46 GMT

I'm a former Starbucks employee...liked the job, but decided to use my time elsewhere. I still buy the beans, and visit the stores. I did try a Dunkin Donuts for the 1st time the other day... my coffee was $1.07...the cashier "huffed" and gave me a wierd face when I paid with a $5 bill, and had no change. You NEVER get an attitude from a Starbucks barista. Coffee is weak. I don't need an attitude, no matter how inexpensive it may seem. Not going back.

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Kelly, Cherry Hill, NJ — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:12:30 GMT

My locally-owned coffee shop of choice sells whole beans. It's their signature Italian Roast. I purchase small bags of beans from them and grind/brew my own in the morning. Then, when I need an afternoon jolt, I run over to their shop and grab an espresso. It's superior to SBucks in every way. They also have a better Chai tea. When out of town in an unfamiliar city, I usually ask the concierge at the hotel about local coffee houses, and I'm rarely disappointed (and rarely sent to a SBucks).

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Andrew, Aberdeen MD — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:18:28 GMT

I'm not a coffee drinker, though I'm often amused by the obsessive nature of that crowd, but I do drink tea. Sbucks insane prices for a bag of tea leaves and hot water are inexcusable. Add that to the inane size monikers and that equals no customer here. Given a choice, I'll always find a local place over a chain -- support your neighbor, not a pretentious corporation.

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Lee, Denver CO — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:20:47 GMT

You don't have to use the Starbucks "lingo" to order.
A simple small medium or large will work!
Don't hate Starbucks having to "learn" a different language when you don't have too!
Anyway...the names make sense if you know the history...
It used to be just short and tall. then they added grande as the largest. then our obese culture still wanted bigger drinks so they added the 20oz drink, the Venti (which means 20). That's why the tall is the smallest...it used to be the biggest along time ago.

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Aaron, IN — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:22:33 GMT

First, to all those who seem to think that Sbux is "snobby": it's not that they are snobby, they just know a lot about coffee and the drinks/food they serve - they're required to. They spend hours and hours learning and re-learning everything there is to know about their coffee - which is more than I can say for those at DD. For Starbucks baristas, coffee is their life. They're also "required" to learn the first names and remember drinks of their regular customers - even from drive-thru. Furthermore, if you don't know what you like, they'll ask questions and make suggestions - and if you don't like it - they'll make you something different for FREE until you do. Try that at DD.

For those who think coffee at Sbux is $4 - buy a regular coffee, not a specialty drink. Their largest coffee is around $2. That's like complaining that a bar charges $12 for a beer when in fact you're ordering a martini. It's amazing how many times an Sbux barista gets asked if they server just "plain" coffee - which is a big focus of their current restructuring - getting back to "coffee".

Lastly, try getting full benefits working an average of 20 hours or more per week at any other coffee or fast-food joint. The insurance and other benefits Sbux gives to its baristas is amazing.

Sbux is not "the man". They are just passionate about coffee. If everyone learned more about the corporation and not simply judge by the prices, they might begin to understand.

Remember, imitation is the greatest form of flattery - but it's still just that - imitation...albeit it a much more uninviting and greasy imitation. ;)

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Mike, KS — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:25:57 GMT

If Tim Horton's was nationwide instead of regional this wouldn't even be an issue. Tim Horton uber alles!

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Anjanie N. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:29:36 GMT

DD has no business even offering latte's (an italian word, by the way). i recently tried to order a latte at DD, large, skim latte with no foam, and was asked by the counterperson "what's foam?" starbucks should come out with ads making fun of the fact that DD staff don't know jack about espresso drinks.

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Caroline Stelmach, Sarasota, Florida — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:31:38 GMT

In Colorado we visited a "mom and pop" coffee house. They had bumper stickers that read "Friends Don't Let Friends drink Starbucks". We bought two.

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danielle, phoenix,az — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:34:19 GMT

i agree with all of you who stated that Starbucks and DD are everywhere. if you are not going to eat at a McD or a Burger King think again about these too Coffee places- it is just "fast food coffee". if you want a really good cup of coffee support your local coffee house. the one that is using localy roasted or doing the roasting of the bean themselves. you will see a dramatic difference with something that is fresh!

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Luke Baikal, Hovd, Mongolia — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:36:02 GMT

Best reply to date...."I make my own coffee at home, sneer in the mirror, and save $4.50. Just put Kim out of a job, too.
Double bonus."
Mike, Seattle, Wa. (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 5:00 PM)

Alternatively, if you need a tasty jolt, try Chinggis Khaan vodka available only in Karakhorum, Dalandzadgad, and UlaanBaatar, Mongolia. By the way, don't even think about behaving in the arrogant Starbucks' manner here; you might spend the remainder of Eternity somewhere under the Singing Sand Dunes in the Gobi.

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min — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:03:34 GMT

Coolatta is not a hard-to-pronounce word, it is pronounced phonetically.

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San Diego, Ca — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:21:16 GMT

Why is it that Starbucks tastes like acid piss? I never understood that... Einsteins is best, but darn hot...

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Jeania Greenwood, Mississippi — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:30:23 GMT

Why not send the $30 or $40 you coffee snobs spend on caffeine weekly to a local children's home or buy toys for the kids at the local hospital? The money would be much better spent, and children won't snub you because you say a word wrong!

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Tom Woods, Las Vegas, Nv. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:37:04 GMT

Success! The mass mind focuses on coffee and donates more money to both big companies. I don't know who scrapes the money cream off the top there, but I know that my local Mom and Pop cafe makes a good cup and you can get it to go. (cup=size) Try it like a new adventure, if you can find one that is still in business.

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Al C., N.J. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:37:23 GMT

I don't know how to spell "highfalutin'", but I'll bet the "confusing back-and-forth" mentioned above "ensues" rather than "ensures"...
P.S. I'm with E Yow: when you compare coffee (vs. latte, etc.) prices, Starbucks is not out of line - plus the coffee's better ;-)

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bill, hackensack, NJ — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:49:14 GMT

coolatta is hard to pronounce? Maybe in an Italian accent, but I know of noone who has that trouble.

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John, Watertown, SD — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:00:05 GMT

Kim, Silver Spring, MD

Starbucks...speed? The local corner store, couple of quick turns to get in, takes an average 8 minutes to get in, down the drive through, and back out on my way, when there's minimal traffic. So really, it takes 6 minutes to get a "regular" hot chocolate. Not worth it.

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Christopher Foley, Las Vegas Nevada — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:04:26 GMT

I love D&D for doing this, the same thing I have thought the 5-6 times in my life I had no choice but to have to get a coffee from Starbucks. Its a joke, it takes you 17 minutes to figure out how to order a "Med Regualr to go" at Starbucks, hen you need to work 3 hours of OT to pay for it. I love D&D and love to se someone tell the same things I have been thinking for 10 years about Starbucks.

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Peter, Seattle, WA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:10:14 GMT

Every cup of coffee in any form it comes in at any coffee shop I've got it at tastes HORRIBLE.

You want to know the best way to wake up in the morning (or stay awake at any time)???

WATER.

Your body has a hard time waking up in the morning because you haven't drinken any water or eaten any food for the last eight hours; you're dehydrated! People skip breakfast and guzzle a gallon of coffee or soda in the morning to wake up and still don't because coffee, soda, and skipping breakfast makes you MORE dehydrated.

Take my advice, I've worked graveyard shifts for years and found the single best method to wake up and stay awake is to drink 16 ounces of water when you first wake up, eat a healthy breakfast (eggs, potatos and FRUIT) and then drink some more water when you get to work or as needed. As for fruit, bananas are the best, potassium is a natural stimulant that works WAY better than caffeine. You'll save a ton of money and feel so much better.

I hope you've enjoyed my comment/advice...

~Peter

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John, Watertown, SD — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:10:35 GMT

Don't knock Sbux too hard, I learned a great deal about economics from them: as stupidly insane as a fad or product might be, if a lot of people buy it, WHO CARES? Sell it while you can! And when the selling turns down, even if you have to shrink the business, you're still earning, and if you don't have the stomach to deal with contraction, just sell out and take your considerable ball of cash home with you!

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Annie, San Diego, CA — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:16:52 GMT

Bottom line, if you want basic coffee Dunkin Donuts is great. But god forbid you want a non-fat latte and the people behind the DD counter look at you like you have a third eye. I'll stick with my friendly neighborhood starbucks where I can get a non-fat vanilla latte and they don't look confused when you order it.

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Lucy Wells — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:28:48 GMT

I know I won't be too popular with this next comment. It is no way meant to offend anyone as I myself am a minority in the country and married to someone that is not.
When most people say they prefer Dunkin to Starbucks, they are usually referring to brewed coffee, not lattes etc.For those of us with a more refined taste, we prefer Starbucks. It's not only the taste that I choose Starbucks for, but it's what it stands for and it's history. Starbucks as a company represents what the U.S promotes, free enterprise. It's a company that allows employees to be owners and take part in eco-friendly campaigns. I don't see Dunkin raising money for clean water in 3rd world countries. Also, how many Dunkin Donuts are actually American owned and operated? I live in PA and I know people that were basically not given jobs at Dunkin because they were not of non-American origin. Even though it's suppose to be an EEO company, privately owned franchises can hire whomever it wants to. So the next time you pass a Starbucks to go to a Dunkin, pay attention to where your oney is going. I'd much rather pay an extra $2.00 to give back money to the employees that have ownership in the company, than to send my hard earned money somewhere unknown.

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stanley kem, bangkok, thailand — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:33:11 GMT

Everywhere I go, I always ask for an iced coffee. No problem. Only at starbucks do I get the glassy stare. Say what?

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j, southern maine — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:38:07 GMT

to kim:
c'mon are you serious---"he learned a lesson that day: from who the planets coffee master---starbucks and their pretend old world feel is masked by their terrible coffee and corporate overtones

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mike mayer oklahoma city ok — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:45:29 GMT

i make my coffee at home in an electric percolator...what a novel idea

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Allen Kresge , Stroudsburg , Pa. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:50:02 GMT

If Dunkin Donuts in Pennsylvania was operated by Americans I'ld drink there coffee but their not , so I won't , Starbucks wins again !!

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Don in Tucson AZ — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:53:39 GMT

I hate the coffee shops that use the press pots to store brewed coffee for long periods of time. Why not just brew smaller amounts more frequently?

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luce — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:15:41 GMT

hej you all,
At least whoever speaks italian for real. Go to starbucks and order smth that has an italian word on it like the venti or whatever. Say what you want in English and pretend to be uncertain of how to pronounce the name in Italian and so end up of saying it in English at the end. Now see the reaction of the barista lookind DOWN on you and trying to help you how to say it, obviously appearing to be bothered by your ignorance. Then while he or she is basking in their triumph you just start speaking in italian and blow their Frigging mind away and insult them good.
It is just coffe, people no matter where you get it. By the way homemade is better.

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Dan, Lee NH — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:36:53 GMT

The fact is that I go to DD for coffee and Starbucks for a latte like 95% of the rest of the country. In my experience, if you go to the same DD every day - they will know you. I can't say the same about Starbucks.

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Kris, Royal Oak, Mich. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:42:50 GMT

I question the judgment of someone who thinks Coolatta is hard to pronounce... I haven't been to Dunkin Donuts or McD's for their new gourmet coffee offerings (I make mine at home whenever I can), but I hope they aren't charging extra for soy milk like Starbucks (and many other coffee shop chains). Coffee shops shouldn't charge extra for soy milk, because it's not an additional ingredient -- it's a replacment ingredient (just like artificial sweetener is to sugar). It's not like I'm asking for special flavoring and I shouldn't be penalized for being lactose intolerant. Soy milk should be considered a standard alternative to cow milk and not warrant a ill-conceived "premium" fee. To do so is a rip-off.

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Jenn C. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:48:59 GMT

I make my own coffee at home some days. Other days I take a trip to Starbucks. Here in little ol' Lawton, Oklahoma, we don't have a DD anymore...in fact the Starbucks is in the old DD building! Nor do we have any small coffee houses because they can't seem to stay in business. I don't find any pretentiousness about Starbucks--the baristas are always fun & friendly and usually remember me when I come in. I know it's the best coffee around here for my $$! And yes, sometimes baristas are "saving lives"--without my coffee I could get violent! ; )

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Nick, Tucson, AZ — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:56:36 GMT

Starbuck's shtick has always been selling coffee to elitists. And that is perfectly fine. I'm a bit of a beer snob myself, and I'm irritated when a waitress can't tell a pilsener from a stout. I appreciate a staff who knows the nuances of the brew, as do those finicky cafe drinkers who keep SBucks running.

The downside is the people feel isolated and intimidated. Mexican restaurants offer menu translations, and Asian restaurants provide picture-menus because they know it is hard to win new customers when nobody knows what the heck they are ordering.

Let SBucks be SBucks. The world needs a Dunkin' for all the beginners who aren't hip to the lingo. If beverage snobbery appeals to them, they can move onto uptight "baristas" like Kim from Maryland. For now, let the everyday Americans order coffee from a cashier.

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Peter Pants — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:03:09 GMT

My coffee is better, cooler, hipper, snobbier, and simpler than your coffee.

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:07:57 GMT

Shut up with this already. Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts? They're both piss poor. We're just arguing over who would fare better in a beauty contest, Joan Rivers or Courtney Love.

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Patricia, Fresno, CA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:43:39 GMT

In reading these comments, it's been reassuring to see how many others feel like I do about Starbucks coffee: it is bitter and tastes burned! There for a while I thought I was a "coffee wuss", but no - - once I tried coffee at a local java joint it was obvious it was just Starbucks. I agree with the guy who said that adding a load of cream barely changes the color - something wrong there!! In fact, I was in a sales meeting a couple weeks ago and made myself some coffee - put a bunch of cream in and it was still burnt tasting and undrinkable....later, in the kitchen I spotted the familiar Sbucks bag. I had suspected as much.....

I do wish Sbucks would offer a blend that is more drinkable - not so "bold" as they call it. I really enjoy a good cup of coffee, and when I feel like getting out of my home office, it would be nice to go to the Sbucks nearby and grab a cup and relax - nice atmosphere. I don't always feel like a latte - or want to spend $5. But, instead I would rather go elsewhere or just make my own.

I also agree w/ all the posters who say that DD coffee is very weak. Like convenience store coffee. Heck, even Denny's serves a better cup.

Sbucks: trying too hard, so as to be undrinkable for all but the most fanatic java snobs.

DD: not trying hard enough to do the noble beverage justice.

Can't someone get the formula right????????? How hard can it be??

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Carl, Streetsboro, Oh — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:28:01 GMT

ok.. nobody.. NOBODY has mentioned Caribou Coffee? Strong not burnt, excellent, varied roasts from light (Perennial) to the bold and dramatic (Mahogany). Espresso drinks are fantastic and flavorful. Even the non coffee drinks - from the smoothies (try passion fruit green tea smoothie) to the cocoa..

I do not even work for Caribou.

They are the best.

What the deici?

Mike L., CA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:05:29 GMT

OMG Are we really this confused!?! We have Starbuck lovers here that think, pretentiously so, that by using the words "Venti" or "Grande" that they are living a multicultural experience. How very sad!!!

Wake up and smell the...coffee... this is not a cultural experience and frequenting Starbucks does not count towards making one a worldly bon vivant.

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Michael Colantonio Woonsocket, RI — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:16:38 GMT

I'm sorry...Coolatta is "hard to pronounce"? Cool-atta? Really? So requesting a Coolatta Extra-Extra is harder than a No-Whip White Chocolate Mocha Latte No Whip? So I guess Coffee is hard to pronounce too. Maybe we should just ask for the "Hot Brown stuff with milk and sugar".

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Roland Thomas — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:43:09 GMT

Our local coffee shops (including a drive up only version) are much better than Starbucks. Also, they know what a cafe au lait is where as the 'great' coffee experts at SB didn't have a clue. Some coffee shop.

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G, Fairfield, CT — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 02:10:07 GMT

I HATE the new DD campaigns - it portrays American consumers as cattle who can't be bothered with something different. So why not order a large Dunkin' Donuts coffee that tastes like dead skunk? Starbucks actually introduces the opportunity to get a true brand experience from beginning to end, as opposed to mediocre service for sub-par coffee.

What the deici?

Knobby, Clagary AB — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:03:08 GMT

To Bryan, the Horton sucks, the coffe is sour, and to make it even more stupid they have four sizes so there is real confusion about which one is meduim. Oh, and they frequently don't seem to take ATM cards, what's with that? And they've got 20 old ladies behind the counter running in circles, and a line that stretches to the parking lot. Duh. OH and more, they "steeped" tea. Yah all tea is steeped, by definition!

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Kevin T — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:09:58 GMT

I happen to enjoy Starbucks. I have been purchasing my coffee there for twenty years. The have found a niche and they are taking advantage of it. I find their coffee consistently good and I know what to expect. I can order a small, medium and large and not even get a second look. I love coffee and can't drink that watered down stuff from Dunkin Donuts or any of the mini marts. The employees at Starbucks usually remember me and my drink and I have spent hours working on my homework and studing in the local Starbucks. I think that most people just like to bash the industry leaders for being at the top. I hope that Starbucks continues to improve and thrive, so I can spend my money on what I want and like.

What the deici?

Darren Pope, Little Rock, AR — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:28:03 GMT

Has anyone seen the singing commercial for Dunkin Donuts? Check out the menu: "Humin Plu Centi" (sp?) That cracks me up.

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Joe, Chattanooga — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:24:45 GMT

lets be honest, unless your either a hardcore duncan donuts snob our a starbucks snob(and yes, I used the word snob for both, because of the quibbling yet amusing way you "attack" each other) your average Joe is going to make two decisions: which is closer? and which line is shorter? and thats about it.

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Jussi, Leadville, CO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:14:04 GMT

Tim Horton's is great, and their donuts are better than D-squared's. I agree that Starbucks overroasts their beans, but I think that's a recent phenomenom; I've had pretty good coffee there before. I now avoid them because of their ridiculous need to have a shop everywhere and the overly clone-like business philosophy of having all shops look exactly the same. Our local shop still has the funky coffeehouse vibe that Starbucks used to have before they went Wal-Mart on us. That said, I've brewed a pretty good cup of coffee using Maxwell House- a pretty widespread, mainstream brand at that.
BTW Starbucks calls it a 'venti' because it's a twenty-ounce drink.

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John, Springfield, MA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:58:08 GMT

Dunkin Donuts is just plain BAD...the "donuts" are about the worst I have ever had -- stale and nasty. The coffee is weak and (if ordered with cream and or sugar) over-creamed and/or over-sugared. Truly the McDonald's of the doughnut world.

With regard to Starbucks -- I find their menu ridiculous, but at the many Starbucks I've been to, I have never had anyone ask me what I meant when I said "I want plain black coffee in a regular sized cup." I don't know if I get their "small", "medium" or "large" (or whatever Italianesque name they give it), but I've always gotten the same size cup filled with flavorful black coffee that I can cream/sugar to my mood at the moment.

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Artifacter — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:53:30 GMT

Dunkin's coffee is the worst, at least at the location near me. They must be running the pre-packaged amount through multiple times. It is reminds of hot water with a hint of coffee flavor........

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Brett Astor, Boulder, Colorado — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:48:13 GMT

It seems as though people complain either way. Starbucks made coffee about more than coffee. Now it is a successful company and we berate it - the prices, the language... but it couldn't have become successful if a lot of people didn't appreciate what it offers. Do you see how hilarious we are? It's crazy, literally.

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MS — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:41:22 GMT

What's learned from this discussion is Tim Horton's limited US distribution. Living in Detroit, north of Canada, grew up thinking of Windsor as a suburb requiring a toll (911 changed it some). Tim Horton's is ubiquitous there - S$$s surely doesn't come close to that level of penetration. When bought out, thought the country would be populated with the Wendy/Tim Horton combo. Since then Wendy's has spun them off. Oh, the coffee? When in Canada, check out the drive-through at Timmy's - there's a line 2PM in the afternoon! Good solid coffee at a reasonable price, eh? DD is fragrant and tasty while S$$s has a strong flavor. Depends on what you want, regardless of any language barrier.

What the deici?

Master John, Columbus, Ohio — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:53:13 GMT

Hey, Try "Bad Ass Coffee"!! There is one in Alaska, and one in Salt Lake City... I don't know where else!

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Anna, St. Paul — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:56:58 GMT

For a company so bent about Italian words and poking fun of Starbucks for using them, they certainly got it wrong (or, well, right I guess). There is abosolutely no word as 'deici' in Italian. The word the girl is pronouncing is 'dieci," which means ten (likewise, at Starbucks, the venti--the largest cup--is so called because venti is Italian for tweny--the cup holds twenty ounces of liquid). Dunkin Donuts may be "starbucks for the common man" (as someone here so eloquently put it), but I certainly can't drink a cup of coffee from a company whose ad execs are too stupid to do the research.

What the deici?

John — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:24:00 GMT

All this jibber jabber and no one has mentioned that CARIBOU COFFEE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!

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Scott DC — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:41:17 GMT

Dunkin Donuts started in New England. I started drinking DD coffee and eating DD donuts up there in 1968 or so when "coffee regular" meant a little cream and a little sugar, and "coffee light" meant cream only but double amount. Four French Crullers and a large "coffee light" got me going every morning....can't take the calories today. Not the same since they went nationwide. In DC the DD staff don't know what "coffee regular" or "coffee light" mean.

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Lilly, NJ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:54:25 GMT

It seems silly to complain about Dunkin' Donuts' choice to advertise their coffee as less complicated than other brands... because it is! If you want simple coffee, you go to Dunkin' Donuts. If you want something pricier and more expensive, you go to a place like Starbucks. Is that so hard to understand? You cannot be both simple and complicated at the same time; you have to pick one (or, find something between the two.)
On a side note: I can't stand the coffee at starbucks. They over-roast their beans so that the coffee always tastes burnt, then they try to cover it up with tons of sugar and cream and flavored syrup. Ew. PS: I have in fact worked at a "fancy coffee place" so I do know what I'm talking about when it comes to different roasts.

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Susan, NJ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:07:00 GMT

Here in suburban NJ, we have a Dunkin Donuts on every corner, and not nearly as many Starbucks, though they are catching up. Local or small-chain coffee shops are non-existent outside of malls, and even many of those have been closing. So I generally do get my coffee at one of those two places: Dunkin Donuts when I am in a hurry on my way to work or whatever, and Starbucks once in awhile if I plan on sitting there and enjoying the atmosphere: sitting in comfy chairs by the window, reading the paper, listening to the music, etc. (The concept of the drive-thru Starbucks escapes me...I believe any extra you pay to eat/drink there is for the atmosphere...)
I don't think one needs to make a choice between Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. Someone made the point that the basic coffees at Starbucks only cost a couple of dollars, similar to coffee anywhere else. I think the reason people have the idea that Starbucks is outrageously expensive, pretentious, whatever, is that they have been known for their more expensive drinks such as frappucinos and lattes, when up until a couple of years ago, Dunkin Donuts did not offer these types of drinks. I have noticed that you can now spend close to $4 on coffee at Dunkin Donuts now as well, depending on what you order.
What is definitely pricier at Starbucks is the food (as well as being inconsistent as some locations have ovens and offer more items, and one can't rely on any particular item being available...). While I can understand a mocha espresso brownie costing more than a donut or bagel, I do not understand how a small plate of fruit and cheese can cost nearly $5...

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Elizabeth, Iowa — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:40:18 GMT

You can't even compare the two... that's like saying mcdonalds is the same as a steak house, quality whise- NO WAY! Starbucks is awesome, and I am addicted to it. Caribou Coffee is the only thing comparable to it, but the price is almost the same. Gas station coffee will never tempt me, give me my Starbucks!

What the deici?

Dan Boyle — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:28:47 GMT

Glad I'm a tea drinker. Get over it people, it' just coffee.

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Bud — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:27:37 GMT

This is a comment more on how we have too many choices and how they can become just a plain pain in the a**. When dining, question, with you salad why type of dressing would you like? Then they go and name 8 different dressings. Why kind of cheese would you like with that? Again 8 or more different cheeses. Sometimes we really don't need that many choices. Check the cereal aisle, or chips aisle.

So I agree with making things a bit more simple, we do not need all these fancy choices.

What the deici?

Bud, South, Florida — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:43:15 GMT

What the deici?

Carl, Streetsboro Ohio — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:13:19 GMT

Dan,
You comment that this is just coffee.. Tea is just tea and cars are just cars. Give people two similar things and amazingly, there will be differing opinions. I, for one am glad you are a tea drinker, as someone who would read an entire story about coffee advertisements who doesnt even drink coffee confuses me, it also brings to mind a question of your sanity, and knowing you are a tea drinker makes me happy i do not have to stand behind you in line at whichever place I choose to purchase my coffee - unless you were in to buy some tea...

whatever.. my point is - who cares if its just coffee and you're a tea drinker - why comment at all?

What the deici?

Jarrett, Jersey City, NJ — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:45:38 GMT

I love simplicity and those passive-aggressive baristas at Starbuck's always rankle me! :D I've always sided with Dunkin' because: 1) the coffee's never disappointed me, and 2) I don't feel like I'm in a foreign country where they always correct you if you say something wrong.

At DD, I know what small, medium and large are and not have to worry about vini, vidi, vici...

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Is this the end of the ride? — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:30:29 GMT

If you have come to the end of this thing, go back to the folks that posted just after midnight on the first day.... Those are some funny comments. Oh and if you read all these comments?? I feel for you... but those from back in March are funny... go look!

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Melissa, Pittsburgh, PA — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:33:42 GMT

Funny...two words "grande" and "venti" have thrown the whole board here into a tizzy. Does it really matter that much?

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Matt Montalto Long Beach Ca. — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:11:15 GMT

My friends and I call it "Fivebucks".Moved to SoCal from Chicago about 2 years ago.The worst was having to leave my Dunkin D's coffee behind....PLEASE COME BACK TO CALIFORNIA!!!! My friends mail it to me!Screw Starbucks and all that those Nazis stand for!!!!!!!!If I wanted heartburn and a bleeding ulcer I'll just drink a nice hot cup of LAVA! DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE RULES! Period......

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Mark, Allentown, PA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:17:15 GMT

Couldn't we all afford a little more culture? I know we can barely handle basic syntax / grammatics nowadays but really - is Venti THAT hard to say? Two syllables? Way to go America...

Dunkin Donuts espresso is HORRID. Olive Garden's espresso is better - and that's not saying much. Starbucks is a dark roast espresso done the proper Italian way, and ground to near TALC consistency. That's what makes it so fantastic!

For those who enjoy the mediocrity of Dunkin Donuts specialty drinks, have at it. We'll leave you alone if you leave us Starbucks folks alone.

Anyone reminded of the Butter Battle?

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Melissa, Dallas, TX — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:30:48 GMT

I am a Starbucks addict, but mainly for its consistency. No matter where in the world you are (and I've discovered this myself), you know you will get exactly the same thing. Yes, change and experimentation is good, but when I know exactly what I need (a grande mocha) I like to get exactly that.

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Allen, Tulsa, Ok — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:11:45 GMT

In Tulsa, we gave a great new place called Rocket Brothers, its so much better than Starbucks. we don't have Dunkin Donuts here.

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Nancy, Warren MI — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:39:17 GMT

I agree with Bryan from Calgary - T-Ho's is the way to go!! I'm from Michigan and we have Tim Horton's here. I first fell in love with their coffee on a Canadian road trip through Ontario 20 years ago and was thrilled when they expanded to the US. It's good, basic coffee served the way you want in an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere. For a treat try their French vanilla cappuccino or iced cappuccino - yummy! BTW - they've got good donuts and bagels, too. Much better than DD's, trust me.
I do like Starbucks on occasion for things like their white chocolate mocha and some of their holiday flavors, but they are too pricey and on my budget, Starbucks has to be a once in a while treat. The only thing I really like from DD is the iced mocha cappuccino. Their regular coffee is weak, their bagels are tasteless and the only donut worth ordering is the chocolate cream.
Seriously, people, if you love coffee you have to try Tim Horton's.

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Joe — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:49:34 GMT

I have no problem walking into a Starbucks and ordering a small, medium or large drink. If they give me the frown and the attitude, I reciprocate the favor. For $4, they can just stop arguing with me and make the drink.

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Jess, Denver CO — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:24:56 GMT

Wow . . . people like their coffee. First of all, what Starbucks sells is not cappuccino. Cappuccino comes in a mug--little bit of foam on top, NONE of that hazlenut-syrup-sprinkles--drizzle half-caff skinny CRAP. If anyone wants a real cappuccino, find a real Italian caffe. Starbucks is thin brown water in comparison. Secondly, Starbucks is for yuppies--that's why they charge $4 for their snobby drinks. Why else do you think they have the quasi-boho thing with couches and annoying music? It's brand appeal, just like wearing Nike shoes or carrying a Prada bag. Unfortunately, Americans tend to homogenize things, including foods and drinks that were once good.

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Beverley, High Point, NC — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:55:21 GMT

To Lily in Washington, DC. ..Why speak a certain language in specific eating establishments.... "In Rome, do as the Romans" or "If you can't take heat, stay out of the kitchen".

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David, Virginia Beach, VA — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:09:29 GMT

I've worked at Starbucks for almost a year now, and I'll be honest when I started working I didn't know a caramel machiatto for an iced chai latte, but I knew there were a couple drinks I enjoyed so I stuck with those. When I couldn't remember the name of the drink, I described it as best I could... "you know, the hot one, it has caramel in it". Of course, I know realize there are plenty of drinks that are hot and have caramel in it, but Starbucks always did a good job of helping me figure out which one I wanted.
Now, as an employee, I find myself doing the same thing. I have never ever turned away a customer, or made a customer feel stupid, for asking for a "large" or a "small". Granted, I've had my share of ignorant customers who I've had to remake drinks for, sometimes twice, because they didn't tell me what they wanted ("Oh, I wanted that on ice... Oh, I meant blended, I'm sorry") But I've remade these drinks each time, at no extra charge, with a smile on my face, because we are all about customer service.
Also, despite the common myth (and I've had to correct dozens of people, including "Pete" on this message board), I have NEVER sold anyone a $5 cup of coffee. Never. Even after I've added two shots of espresso to it and hazelnut syrup. Never.
For the record, I laughed the first time I saw the Dunkin Donuts commercial. I thought it was cute. I think the concept of a "Fritallian" language as Starbucks is a cute language and we should proudly endorse the idea.

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Lauren L, Oklahoma City, OK — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:18:58 GMT

Although I own a small business and appreciate supporting your local businesses, I recently moved to a new city and I stopped every single morning at the same time of day, at the same place for coffee for three consecutive months.

Every time I walked in the same guy would act like I had never been there before. And he had a horrible 'I hate this job/you/mornings' attitude.

I now pay $2.19 instead of $1.59 simply because when I go to Starbucks I am greeted first thing in the morning with a cheerful, "Good morning! Welcome to Starbucks! This is Travis, what can I get started for you today?"

That in itself is worth a few pennies - my business matters to them and I feel GREAT when I leave. You would think local coffee sellers who have regular customers and NEED the business would be the ones to go out of their way to KEEP them. Starbucks does.

What the deici?

dew , anderson indiana — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:23:13 GMT

i hate starbucks - not their coffee just the attitude that if you don't already know what you want and how to say it then you don't need to be there. sorry to those who are actually NICE folks working at starbucks ....i just never have run into one in this town . seriously snobby and a know it all attitude .

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Ken Francis, Victoria , BC, Canada — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:22:33 GMT

I have read all the blogs on Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and the like, but you guys havent tasted good coffee until you have tasted Tim Hortons cofee in Canada. Or as we like to call it "Timmy Ho's". Cheers

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Eric Bauer — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:54:15 GMT

LILY from DC...your comment stands out. Being able to pronounce one Italian word is not being asked to "speak Italian".

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Non coffee drinker, USA — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:50:08 GMT

Both of these places are obnoxious and you can't seem to be able to speak your own native language in either one of them.. In Starbucks... you need to speak some sort of Coffe Speak to order something that resembles a medium... and if you go into Dunkins..the workers there don't speak English so if you order a medium there they don't know what it means. I don't drink coffe but my boyfriend does and I watch him give his money away to these places and watch the comical outcomes of having to order these concoctions that get lost in translation.....Simply pitiful. I'll drink water instead.

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Douglas Disaster, Denver, CO — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:12:22 GMT

All this comparison between Starbuck's, and McD's. In Denver, all Starbuck's are supplied by the same company that supplies McDonald's (Chipotle too). To me this makes Starbuck's just another McLatte. I prefer the local chain Common Grounds. Much higher quality, but still a little snooty (who do these people think they are anyway?). All the REAL good coffee shops around here are now closed. My favorite cup? Shell Super Charged. A good cup of joe with a hell of a kick, and it's only a dollar in my own cup!

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greg -maui — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:02:25 GMT

STARBUCKS BECAME POPULAR BECAUSE IT WAS PRETENTIOUS. ITS ALL OUR FAULT. IT'S NOT THE VILLIAN. I JUST PLAY DUMB WHEN I HAVE TO GO TO STARBUCKS,...I WANT A SMA...L, SIZE? COFFEE. CAN I HAVE A SMALL COFFEE? WHAT IS THAT? MAKE THEM EXPLAIN WHY THEY NAME THeiR COFFEEES THE WAY , THEY do.

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Beverly W. San Diego, CA — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:30:44 GMT

I am by no means a fan of paying $5.00 for a cup of coffee but in all fairness to Starbucks: If you order a simple Venti coffee you will not pay that amount. You only pay that if you get a specialty drink. I am more than willing to walk into Starbucks and pay $1.80 for a venti Verona blend. Why do people always miss that point?

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NICOLE, ANCHORAGE ALASKA — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:24:13 GMT

HERE IN ALASKA WE HAVE ESPRESSO DRIVE UP BOOTHS ON JUST ABOUT EVERY CORNER. THEY'RE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A MINI VAN...THEY MAKE ANY KIND OF COFFEE YOU WANT AND THEY'RE LOCALLY OWNED!
FORGET DUNCAN DONUTS AND STARBUCKS
SUPPORT LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS

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Dave, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:23:11 GMT

I simply cannot see paying the price Starbucks wants for coffee. I try to drink most of my coffee at home, but at work, I will go to Dunkin Doughnuts over Starbucks simply because I would rather pay 2.49 for a coffee as opposed to 4.50 for a coffee. I mean coffee, not latte or frappie or anything like that. I drink coffee.

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Marc, Gilbert AZ — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:30:17 GMT

Viva Tim Hortons!!!!! Half the price and twice the taste.

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J, Atlanta, GA — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:52:18 GMT

I feel dumber for having read some of these comments. Where did the rant about Spanish come from? And "nuevo riche bourgeoisie"----surely you meant NOUVEAU riche, right? Since people don't usually throw random SPANISH words into a FRENCH phrase.

Anyway, both the SB and DD marketing strategies irk me, for the obvious reasons. Even if I did drink coffee I would never go to either.

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Ann Central Coast, CA — Sun, 04 May 2008 01:41:23 GMT

Personally, I love ordering the 15 name coffees. My disappointment came when Starbucks shortened the "Decaf Non Fat Sugar Free Vanilla Latte" to "Skinny Latte" What fun is that?!

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Ron Appel, Freehold, NJ — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:24:04 GMT

Starbucks is not only overpriced, but in a recent survey it was discovered that Starbucks coffee blends were the least consistent in terms of the caffeine content (level) of it's coffee. Some Starbucks coffee blends were dramtically different in caffeine content even between locations of the chain. So, apparently you don't get what you pay for. I agree with a previous post on this blog, $4.95 for a cup of coffee is absurd. Believe it or not, the coffee at your local Wawa is just as good as Starbucks, but at 1/3 of the price. Granted they (WaWa) don't specialize in latte's, but for your basic cup of coffee they are just fine by me.

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Bob,Dayton, OH — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:38:36 GMT

Starbucks always tastes burned. As someone who lives on coffee (not the doctored up versions), Dunkin Doughnuts is much better. But I actually prefer Tim Horton's over the other two.

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Paul, Powell, Wyoming — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:19:06 GMT

I wish I had either around my house.... the mud huts around here blow....I'de order me a venti-large but its Folgers roast to go!

personally for me its a venti mocha frap with a blueberry cake donut (yes from DD)when I get to a city that has either or preferably both!

What the deici?

John Rosengarten — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:49:36 GMT

I work in Chicagoland and we have a wonderful chain called Caribou Coffee.

Caribou has everything but the gimmicks of Starbucks, and at a much better price. I think some of Caribou's coffees are even better than Starbucks' overroasted varieties.

Plus, at the three stores I have been to Caribou hires older workers who have a better grasp of the word "service".

(What came after Generation X? Generation Whine!)

These "Generation Whine" kids pick their faces, chat away vapidly on cell phones and ignore me when I am on my way to work... then stare incredulously when I give them the pennies for their tip.

Hey you kids - grow up and get to work!

Oh, and to KIm, its not you babe...

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Kay, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:48:24 GMT

Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread complicated ingredients? Lol. Italians aren't the only ethnicity on earth that drank a form of coffee, Dunkin is providing for the people who don't consider the Italian version of it 'the best'. Good.

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Jenn, Chicago, IL — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:18:15 GMT

As a barista at Starbucks for the past two years, I can only say that when people come in and order a large coffee, I get them a venti coffee. When someone orders a medium latte with vanilla syrup and skimmed milk with no foam, oh! and extra hot as they talk on their cell phone and ignore me, I make them a grande vanilla non-fat extra-hot no foam latte. I then say thank you and have a nice day. It's not that hard to be respectful as a customer or as a barista. I see no reason why people have to speak "Starbucks". When people apologize for not knowing how to order, I say, it's ok, we speak fluent customer. We understand what people are ordering no matter if they use our terms or not.
If you want some history, which you probably don't, Starbucks used to only have the short and tall sizes. Then people wanted bigger sizes, so they added grande as the large. When people again wanted bigger sizes Starbucks added the venti, just because it's twenty ounces. It's not all that complicated, and the baristas aren't all stupid and pretentious.
People feel entitled to treat us like crap because they are spending too much on their drink. We feel entitled because if we didn't have our part-time schlepping job, they wouldn't be getting their coffee at all. I think that everyone just needs to drop their attitude and remember that they need coffee and we serve it. Come in if you want, or go somewhere else. It's not that difficult.

What the deici?

Venus Doom — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:06:45 GMT

I don't care how anybody feels about Starbucks. Me, I'll go 15 minutes out of my way and get all tangled up in my own tongue ordering my beloved grande decaf light blended mocha Frappuccino with no whip... because once I get through the tongue-cramping agony of ordering it (and the soul-crushing horror of paying $4.28 for a beverage), the 20 minutes it takes me to drink it afterward are 20 minutes of pure, plain and simple "ahhhhh"! Hey, I don't get many simple pleasures these days, so I'll take what small measure of enjoyment I can get!

What the deici?

CoffeeQueen, NYC — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:46:19 GMT

I never purchase my coffee from a store that puts the cream and sugar in for you. That mean no Dunkin and no McDonald's. I am very particular about exactly how much I want, and want to taste it as I add, which you cannot do if the pimply clerk does it for you.

What the deici?

Winona Jones, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:12:32 GMT

When I go to Starbucks, I just say small, medium or large. Their pseudo-Italian words do not make sense. I studied Italian and venti means 20. Piccolo means small but I think they use another term at Starbucks. And it's spelled Dieci, not deici. My husband is Italian and he finds their terms confusing (except for Grande).

What the deici?

heffer t, salt lake city, utah — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:20:59 GMT

anyone ever tried tulley's coffee? its pretty boss. but ive got to agree with what a lot of you are saying about mom and pop places. theyre far better and very inviting... especially if you can find that rare one that grows their own beans, then grinds and roasts each pot fresh. mmmm... dag yo, i gotta grab a cup of that stuff now. PEACE!... oh, and yeah, starbucks beats dunkin because they have a variety of actually coffee. not just mixed stuff like lattes and 'ccinos

What the deici?

Thomas Price, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:07:14 GMT

Coffe Bean and Tea Leaf Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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James, Lyndhurst, NJ — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:31:49 GMT

I'm truly stunned at some of the comments posted here. Apparantly, very few of the folks commenting (other than Kim, who's been a barista) have worked at a large, image conscious service firm like SB's.

When you go to SB's and order a "large" latte, and the barista responds back confirming that you asked for a "venti", they are not correcting you or being pretentious! They are confirming your order, using their "branding" terminology which they are required to do by their training and for their performance evaluations. It's exactly like going to McD's and ordering a Whopper. The employee at the register should politely remind you that they don't offer that sandwich and ask whether you intended to order a Quarter Pounder or a Big Mac.

As for the "which coffee tastes better", there will always be folks who prefer one over the other. Let's please not re-enact the crusades over who has the "best" tasting coffee.

Finally, to Kim, when I worked at McD's I had an experience similar to yours with the mocha cappuccino guy. Years later, after working in other service jobs, I realized that a few good probing questions at the start of the conversation might have saved my customer from an experience where he got exactly what he requested but not at all what he wanted. Those kinds of customer service tools aren't usually available, though, in the "first job" crowd that SB's and McD's usually pull from.

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marie dell — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:11:41 GMT

For my dollar, I want a good cup of coffee. NO WAY I'm going to pay 5 buck for a cup of coffee I don,t care what you call it. Personally wake up ten minutes early and make your own! WE have become too spoiled as a society. Yes it's nice to get waited on, but come on. Twenty years ago you went through the drive through and ordered a coffee- probably one size and fixed it the way you liked it.I work too damn hard for my money to blow it on atmosphere and fancy language. By the way fancy name for waitress- I like that barista

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Sarah, Corvallis, Oregon — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:02:05 GMT

I just wish I could go to a coffee shop and not have to ask "What's in that?" every time. I'm not a regular coffee drinker, and I don't have anything against learning new things (like menu language), but it would be nice if the menus at least had clear descriptions. I usually end up ordering "steamed milk" because at least I know what I'm getting.

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Andrew, Orlando, FL — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:16:58 GMT

7-11, pour your own, make it how you like and much stronger and better than either Starbucks (the killer of the cup 'o joe) and Dunkin Donuts (Cops' rest stop).

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Heather A., Nashville, TN — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:15:13 GMT

@ Brian -
Never had Tim Horton's (they don't have them in TN that I'm aware of), and never will. Any company that would fire an employee for giving away one donut snack to a child is not one I will EVER patronize. Yes, she got her job back, but there had to be a greedy corporate culture already in place for that to ever have occured.

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Matt, London, KY — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:48:44 GMT

You're all crazy, man, it's just coffee. You're all like, my coffee's better than yours, and therefore I'm better than you! It is amusing indeed.

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Matt, London, KY — Sun, 25 May 2008 04:03:23 GMT

the problem with companies is that all they care about is money. What's really important is making people happy. Small businesses are the best because they make people happy. The owners befriend their customers, and it's just a better thing for the whole world. Corporations suck!

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The Bibble Guy, Toronto, Canada — Sun, 25 May 2008 10:01:55 GMT

Here in Toronto, Starbucks staff are not pretentious. They are usually enthusiastic high school and college students who take pride in their work. I love ordering a large iced tea from one of them because he says it's "my best drink." The Canadian equivalent of Dunkin Donuts, Tim Horton's, is staffed by the franchisee's former goatherd cousins from the village back home. They don't speak any English, hate their jobs, and are lazy and slow. Even if Starbucks coffee weren't better than Timmy's, I'd still go to Starbucks for the service. Yes, Starbucks is more expensive, but you get what you pay for.

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Kat, Glendale, AZ — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:23:14 GMT

I like starbucks just fine, they make going out and getting a coffee convienient with their drive thru's and having one on every other corner and all, but.... their coffee is always burnt tasting. I finally tried someplace different, seattles best, and they were a million times better. Unfortunatly there's only 1, I've found, that's like 10 miles out of my way, so I don't get it often.

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Liz, Iowa City, IA — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:03:15 GMT

I haven't had Dunkin's coffee, but I doubt that the true espresso afficionado will be impressed. Then again, the true afficionado has already given up on Starbucks completely, as it has become the lowest common denominator--the "Walmart", if you will, of the service coffee industry.

I find it funny that Kim, the former barista, complains about consumer ignorance as they walk into a Starbucks. As a former independent coffee shop employee, it seems that Starbucks is doing everything in its power to make the coffee customer even more ignorant. How many times did I get orders from customers for Caramel Macchiatos? Countless. How many times did I make them a Macchiato with caramel syrup? Never, because I knew what they really wanted was a caramel and vanilla latte with whipped cream. But Sbucks couldn't call it that, could they? No, they had to steal another drink's name that sounded "cooler" and more "indie." I miss the days when teenages drank cheap beer to look hip.

In closing, I say forget both companies. If you want a good cup of coffee or a good espresso drink, seek out a local place, the barista there shouldn't need you to speak a code language, and the product will generally be better--starting a coffee place from the ground up takes more passion for quality than any Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks franchisee will ever have.

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Everyman, Anytown, USA — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:34:52 GMT

Starbucks Aficionados = Snobbery at its finest.

And don't forget to double-park the Lexus as you stride in for your latte adorned in your oh-so, peachy designer exercise togs.

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Sharon, York Pa. — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:34:09 GMT

What happened to good "Old Fashioned Maxwell House?

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Kitty, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:57:06 GMT

Starbucks in Sydney, Australia is just mediocre. You can waste your $5 on a morning caffeine fix at better places.

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MMT, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:45:14 GMT

Fortunately, you can ow save up five trips to Sbucks and get a two tumbler coffee maker that makes individual servings of whatever flabor/brand/type coffee/cappuccino/latte your lil heart desires. Sbucks here in Vegas is a combo of College kids doing homework, HS kids trying tto look like cool college kids, and wanna be pseudo-intelectuals. Our locally run coffee houses put money back into our community and raise the families of the neighbor next door. Branch out and explore your horizons. Mcd's hasn't been really good at anything since they stopped grilling the onions right on the burger in the seventies.

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Dave, CT — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:58:56 GMT

Does Duncan not realize that Latte is short for Caffe Latte, which is Italian, and their Iced Cappaccino... yeah, you guessed it, cappuccino is Italian too.

Sorry DuDo, ignorance only works for so long.

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Julius, Marlborough, MA — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:23:57 GMT

Its true what they say. American runs on Dunkin. Fat Obese America.

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I gotta remain anonymous because of what I do for a living...sorry — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:25:34 GMT

Everyone who appreciates premier coffee and a great company should try Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. I've been a coffee guy for decades now and it just doesn't get any better than GMCR! The selection is vast and the quality is literally award-winning. Furthermore, I submit that no other roaster anywhere in the world has a more compelling corporate story to tell.

By the way, for any xenophobes who care to know, as American as Dunkin' Donuts seems to be, the company has been a foreign-owned corporation for most of its history. Look it up!

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Texas lady — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:43:33 GMT

You want a GREAT cuppa coffee...Try a "TURBO" from Burger King...now thats a perfect cuppa coffee, no pretentious employees to deal with and no special language needed...Just order a (size of your choice) Turbo Joe...yummy!

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Danielle, NJ — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:08:21 GMT

I'm sorry, but this is getting old already. In a world where cost of living is constantly rising, marketing and finance compainies are the best at manipulating and ripping people off, and people are constantly trying to live beyond their means for the sake of image (by spending too much on things BESIDES coffee), how is the "$4 latte company" the biggest monster?...and I stress $4 LATTE, not coffee; a regular coffee is anywhere from 1.77 to 2.09. and what matters most to Starbucks customers is how it tastes, not the fancy name. If you can't pronounce it, we can help you figure it out, and if you come in regularly you usually don't have to say a thing because after awhile we can memorize the most customized drinks. Thats what good customer service is about. If that morning stop at Starbucks makes someone happy, leave it be. I'm sure $4 lattes are not the reason people are losing their homes.