The Starbucks Experience

After last week's class, I was intrigued by the Starbucks experience video.  I would consider myself a regular at Starbucks, usually drinking 2-3 iced coffees there every week. My Gold Card membership is always renewed early in the year, and my spirits are lifted when I see their red cups at Christmas time.  I'm originally from Seattle, so my fondness for coffee seems fitting. 

The TEDx Talk below gave me more insight as to the history of coffee growing, as well as more details about the actual roasting process of coffee beans.  While the speaker, Asher Yaron, is passionate about local, organic, and sustainable coffee, I found myself thinking more about how coffee is consumed in our culture- specifically at Starbucks.   

Yaron mentions that early coffee drinking was a religious and cultural experience.  While I'd argue that drinking Starbucks coffee isn't necessarily earth-shattering, we know that their business model strives to create a certain feel for customers.  But do I, the customer, truly feel this experience each and every time I go to Starbucks?  Not always...

Perhaps the most memorable Starbucks experience I had was during my trip to Tokyo this summer.  While I couldn't speak the language, I was still able to order my usual drink.  I felt valued as a customer, as the baristas and cashiers greeted me warmly and did their best to help me order.  I even came away with a unique Starbucks card!

Overall, last week's class really helped me assess my experiences in businesses and begin to set the stage for learning this semester.