Starbucks

[Franky]

I know we have a few members here from diffrent parts of the world. If you have not heard of Starbucks yet, you will. Starbucks is a coffe shop that had taken over here in the US. They are ready now to take on the rest of the world. I like starbucks but every where they go, tons of mom and pops places close out. In the US most are closed all ready. The walmart effect.

Starbucks' (SBUX, news, msgs) recently announced goal of having 40,000 stores worldwide isn't just about spreading green awnings through Middle America, the Middle East and other parts of the world not yet tempted by easy access to mocha Frappuccinos and pumpkin-spice lattes.

As Starbucks adds six stores a day on average, the company says it continues to carefully consider everything from the direction of commuter traffic zipping by a potential drive-through site to how many people are pounding the pavement on a busy urban block.

As of Oct. 3, Starbucks had 12,440 stores worldwide -- 7,102 company-operated stores and 5,338 licensed locations.

[jano]

I like Starbucks too, I am a major coffee-aholic. But I love the small coffee houses that are in run down places that still have a certain charm all of their own. Actually we've had a few new independent coffee houses open up in my area (although they are in new buildings). There is something to be said for individuality.

[Tootsie]

I like starbucks but there coffee is way too strong for me. If your going to drink coffe its way better to buy organic and fair trade. Inorganic has been sprayed with all kinds of harmful pesticides and non fair trade coffee really screws the poorcoffee farmers.

[linnysue]

Friski, I agree with you. I love organic coffee. We have relatives who have a farm located on the Island of Hawaii 1,000 ft. on the So. Kona Coast. All their farm grown products are grown organically. Their coffee is out of this world. Boy, I could go for a cup of fresh-brewed organic coffee right now. If you're interested, I could send you their info.

[williamthegreat]

When I sailed to Hawaii I stayed with some friends that lived in a coffee plantation just up from Captain Cook. We rebuilt the old Kona theater that year so I drank alot of Kona coffee. They still send me bags of Kona coffee but I like it a little stronger so I add some Star buck French Roast to it. WTG

[linnysue]

WTG, they make a rich, extra dark roast. I can't wait to visit their farm one of these days. I love Hawaii; especially nice to visit when I get sick of the cold.

[Tootsie]

Originally Posted by linnysue

Friski, I agree with you. I love organic coffee. We have relatives who have a farm located on the Island of Hawaii 1,000 ft. on the So. Kona Coast. All their farm grown products are grown organically. Their coffee is out of this world. Boy, I could go for a cup of fresh-brewed organic coffee right now. If you're interested, I could send you their info.

Thanks Big kittie
So thats your secret source of strenth!!? I am actually trying to cut back on coffee and just bought some postum for a substitute. But you know coffe makes a nice gift so I WOULD like to see some info.Thanks!

[beverlybdmd]

So William, If you like strong coffee, and you actually have an independent source like that, ask them to send you UN ROASTED beans, or simply just whole beans, and then before you grind them, you put them into a Hot-air popcorn popper (which you can pick up for a song at at the 2nd hand store now that everybody uses their micro-wave.) and you just heat them to the correct SMELL or "roast." Honestly, it works great, even for "increasing the roast" on some beans. (That's all French roast IS: a little 'over-done')

[deluded]

That sounds like a great idea...I would do it just for the smell in the house...I bet it would smell so so good....I didn't use to drink but 1 cup of coffee a day, but now I drink the whole pot, and even make some at night occasionally...which I don't need to do...stay up way too much anyway...I like that popcorn popper idea ...

[linnysue]

Originally Posted by beverlybdmd

...ask them to send you UN ROASTED beans, or simply just whole beans, and then before you grind them, you put them into a Hot-air popcorn popper (which you can pick up for a song at at the 2nd hand store now that everybody uses their micro-wave.) and you just heat them to the correct SMELL or "roast." Honestly, it works great, even for "increasing the roast" on some beans. (That's all French roast IS: a little 'over-done')

What a cool idea. I didn't realize how the different degrees of roasts were achieved. No wonder the Starbuck's coffee smells and tastes a little burnt.
Boy, you learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing this, beverlybdmd.