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1. • CommentAuthortrm4
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   I was recently in Paris and noticed a couple of new Starbucks had opened up. To my surprise, there were lots of people waiting in line and sitting at the little tables inside and outside the cafe.
   
   I'm just curious about what anyone thinks about this. At first I was really annoyed -- Starbucks exporting their overpriced coffee and threatening the cafes that make Paris so unique. But then I wondered if maybe they were doing something good, by providing an alternative to the sit-down cafes. Maybe Starbucks will actually make French cafes better, by providing a contrasting experience?
   
   Anyone have any thoughts? Feel free to tell me I'm crazy.
2. • CommentAuthorbernadette
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   Actually, much to your displeasure I'm sure, Starbucks right now is focusing more on international expansion while they close down many American stores.
   
   Personally, I don't mind. It's your safe bet out when you can't find coffee in a foreign country that lives up to your expectations. I'd say to first follow the "When in Rome..." idea, but if finding your way around Rome becomes much more of a hassle than a fun experience, at least you can depend on our favorite green mermaid to provide us with something familiar.
   
   Plus, because Starbucks is so into innovation right now, putting up shop in other countries may help us here at home. We may learn something from the French!
3. • CommentAuthortrm4
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   Yeah, but something just seemed wrong to me. I'm American and I drink Starbucks at home, but I felt embarrassed to see a bunch of Americans (I could tell!) clutching their mocha-frappuccinos, while a legit French cafe was next door.
4. • CommentAuthorbernadette
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   xxx need to hide your Starbucks love! Wear it with pride!
   And the customers will ultimately decide which is better. I'm sure the owners of the French cafe are used to us by now.
5. • CommentAuthortrm4
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   "And the customers will decide"! Spoken like a true free-market advocate :) "The market," in this case, seems to be pretty red, white, and blue! It's like eating at a Roman Pizza Hut... it just feels wrong!
6. • CommentAuthorbernadette
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   But I bet the Romans make fabulous Pizza Hut. Don't discredit it.
7. • CommentAuthordesmond
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   I agree with trm4. Plus, the coffee is so much better in a typical Parisian cafe. And, most cups come with a free piece of chocolate. You can't beat the people watching at cafes too.
8. • CommentAuthorbernadette
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   Look, I'm not saying that our coffee is better than theirs. On the contrary, I'm sure the French cafes blow our mermaid out of the water. But I think it's just nice to have hints of home littered around foreign places, even if it's for sheer comfort.
9. • CommentAuthordesmond
   • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

    
   Wait, do you work for Starbucks, bernadette? Just curious...
10. • CommentAuthorbernadette
    • CommentTimeApr 23rd 2008

     
    xxx, I actually don't. I just think that Starbucks is a really valuable entity and shouldn't be criticized for trying to expand. Fact is, most Americans won't go to Paris for a cup of joe at Starbucks...but for those of us who don't travel overseas that often and can get lost with all the new experiences that occur with traveling to a foreign city for the first time, seeing something familiar can ease the experience.
    
    I went to Poland a year ago and was disgusted at all the McDonald-ski's and Pizza Huts that lined the historic streets of Krakow (no Starbucks there yet! or at least in the areas I was in) it still felt nice to not feel completely out of place knowing that I had something familiar to fall back on.
    
    I suppose for the experienced traveler or one who knows the language, seeing hints of home completely defeats the purpose of going somewhere foreign. But I'm just saying don't hate on it too much as it makes the tourist experience just that...touristy.
11. • CommentAuthoroliver1
    • CommentTimeSep 10th 2008

     
    For the record, anyone going to Paris who chooses Starbucks over the local cafes should, well, stay home. Sorry, but true.