The Rise and Fall of Starbucks
Nov. 4, 2009 |
By Larry Mantle
I'm fascinated by what Starbucks says about us as Americans -- at least those of us who can afford to go there and choose to do so. How did the company take hold so quickly, and what does it offer above and beyond its beverages? That's one of our topics tomorrow, as we talk with the author of, "Everything but the Coffee: Learning About America from Starbucks." The book's written by Temple University professor Bryant Simon.
This morning we had excellent listener questions for GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Campbell. We're looking forward to having Jerry Brown with us, once he formally declares.
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Eric Johnson
Tender Greens
Tender Greens is like your favorite rock band where you want to keep it a secret but also hope for tremendous success. And successful it is. Healthy and tasty salads and veggies, lean cuts of steak, chicken and tuna all served up in a 'fast food' style and price tag - but in a much better environment and quality. The flatiron angus steak with Yukon Gold potatoes top out my list. I also love to get the line caught ahi tuna with a baby spinach and goat cheese salad - quite tasty when I'm shooting for lighter fare. Makes for a nice and not-too-expensive dinner, and an excellent lunch as well.
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2 weeks, 2 days ago
The key to Starbucks' success is consistency. Imagine being able to access a feeling of home anywhere you travel. (Studying abroad in Madrid, whenever I missed home I'd go to Starbucks). Not only is the menu the same, but the decor and atmosphere.
Their "fall" occurs when they market to the wrong community. They can be sucessful in tourist areas where people are too afraid to try a local place. However, they fail to foresee their unpopularity in places like say, Silverlake, where residents pride themselves for being "local," kitschy, and anti-corporate.