Forbes On Starbucks: "Do Beer And Coffee Mix?"
Question, at Forbes, by Roger Dooley, about Starbucks' testing of wine and beer sales at some establishments:
A coffee shop serving wine and beer might seem a bit incongruous to long-time Starbucks customers, but the chain must have seen enough positive results in its tests to expand the program. And the concept itself is far from revolutionary. Houston Press writer Kaitlin Steinberg lists a flock of alcohol-fueled coffee shops in that city alone. (See Starbucks Won't Be Bringing Booze to Houston, But Who Cares?) With names ranging from the sedate Southside Espresso to the more suggestive Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails, these establishments show coffee and alcohol can be compatible partners.
In fact, it's ridiculous that most coffee places don't have wine and that it's hard to get a license from the government to do so. (Or that there is a license required to do so.)
In Paris, Gregg and I sometimes sit out with a friend or just together at Bar du Marché and watch the world go by. Depending on the time of day, we'll either order an espresso or a glass of wine. It really isn't a big deal. And shouldn't be.
Yes, they may lose some people who come to Starbucks after their AA meeting. They also sell beer and wine at the supermarkets in California. Perhaps those people get their groceries delivered.
You are reminding me of a current show I am watching. During the day 3 girls run this cafe and later the dad takes over and runs the bar. It does not seem unusual at all to me.
NakkiNyan at April 21, 2014 6:57 AM
We should have cafe-laundromats.
jefe at April 21, 2014 2:27 PM
They sell beer and wine in most supermarkets in the US. Some states have special stores but most it is a county by county decision.
Ben at April 21, 2014 4:30 PM
<Semi off topic>
I happen to be up in Ontario this week. Apparently Ontario restricts sales of beer and wine to distributors and liquor to the LCBO (Liquor Control Board?).
So there is now a petition going around to change it so convenience stores can at least sell beer and wine.
The reason I caught it was that the one side is running an ad saying "Let's make it easier for kids to get alcohol." The ad shows kids who are obvious teens walking into a C-Store and picking up all sorts of beer and liquor and the clerk not asking for ID.
I don't know about anyone else, but depending on the store I still get carded at 40+. The exaggeration is so out there that I think even the low information voter can probably see through it.
Jim P. at April 21, 2014 7:13 PM
In Texas, drugstores sell wine, and it's a lot easier to refrain from going to a Starbucks than it is to refrain from going to a drugstore at some point (IMHO). Of course, in Texas we also have drive-through Starbucks locations -- I assume they won't make alcoholic drinks available to customers going through the drive-throughs, so AA types can just get their caffeine fixes that way.
marion at April 21, 2014 7:56 PM
Makes sense to me. Not everyone likes coffee or sweet milky drinks, not everyone likes alcohol. It makes sense you should be able to go have a beverage of your choice in an atmosphere that isn't a bar.
NicoleK at April 22, 2014 4:57 AM
@Jefe...launder-bar. There was a period of time when I was having to use the laundrymat. At the time, I remember thinking that it would be a more enjoyable experience if there were TVs and a bartender to chat with.
sara at April 22, 2014 5:34 AM
We should have cafe-laundromats. -- jefe at April 21, 2014 2:27 PM
My idea was the if I ever won the lottery was to buy/set-up a strip mall with a bar, laundromat, quick tune-up place. They would have a link to the laundromat to tell when the washers/dryers were done. Then there would be a pager type system for the tune-up place.
Basically the idea would be that you could g have a drink and then know when your stuff was done/ready.
I bet the bar would make money hand over fist.
Jim P. at April 22, 2014 7:53 PM
Texas does have drive thru liquor stores. I've never seen one in a large city. But I have in some of the tiny towns (i.e. less than 1k residents). Just like at McDonalds you drive up to the little speaker and place your order. Then you continue to a window and exchange goods. You have to know what you want since the selection is too large to post a menu.
Ben at April 22, 2014 8:38 PM
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