By David

July 18, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this

How could it be the end of the world if only 13 are closing? That’s no big deal at all.

By Mike

July 18, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

This is typical of the poor reporting at the AJC. I love the gloom and doom. Starbucks closes a few stores and the AJC is talking about them in the past tense.

Everyone knows that there were (are) way too many Starbucks. The Simpsons had a joke seven years ago about a Starbucks in another Starbucks. Of course, the AJC doesn’t see these closings as a common-sense pull back. Instead, it is the “end of the world”.

Keep spreading the doom and gloom, AJC. That’s all you are capable of.

By Red

July 18, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

I have never been inside a Starbucks and could care less if they all close. I’m a coffee drinker, but I don’t pay five bucks for a cup of water with coffee and some flavoring dissolved in it.

By Zina

July 18, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, they were over rated. Just a bunch of hype about coffee. Coffee is coffee not matter what bean you pick.

By Alex

July 18, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

I used to work at Starbucks and even I think it’s overrated and overpriced. There are so many locations out there, people can just drive an extra block out of their way and find another one. I don’t think this is a big deal at all, at least from a consumer standpoint. Personally, I prefer Dunkin Donuts coffee over Starbucks anyway.

By Critic

July 18, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

Last weekend I purchased some Archer Farms coffee from Target to compare against Starbucks. I brewed my first pot this morning. See ya later Starbucks. Much later.

By Carola

July 18, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Who really cares? People who feel compelled to spend too much money on an average cup of coffee?

By Julie

July 18, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

I think they are trimming the fat so to speak. There are three Starbucks within 1/4 mile near the Mall of GA. In my opinion, they are closing the one that offered the WORST service. I stopped going there long ago in favor of a newer, more customer-service oriented one up the street.

By Barista

July 18, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Ditto on the Archer Farms. There are lots of good beans out there at better prices than Starbucks… it’s no big deal.

By ron

July 18, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

I’ve never had a cup of Starbucks coffee and it will be longer before I have my next one.Freshly ground beans,good water,and my Cup-at-a-Time coffee maker is a hard combination to beat.

By Starbucks LEMON Cake is Good

July 18, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t even drink the coffee, I one day by chance bought a piece of their Lemon Cake and OH BOY I’m hooked.

By Riva

July 18, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

The Starbucks locations at Gwinnett Place & Pleasant Hill should have been shuttered years ago…

By Tom

July 18, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

The closings at the Aquarium seems odd given the growth going on over there and the foot traffic.

By Becky

July 18, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

I don’t drink their coffee anyway, so I don’t really care if they close. I do drink their frappuccinos about once a month, but I’ll survive without them..As another person stated coffee is coffee, no matter where the bean comes from…

By Gloria

July 18, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

It does seem like too many closings are in the West Cobb area, Mableton, Smyrna, Vinings, Austell. Not that I’ve ever had a Starbucks coffee, but there are way too many empty businesses in this area. The Mableton store just opened within the past year. These companies that cut down trees just to put up a “temporary” business should be made to either stay open until a new tenant is found, or re-nature the land to its original state, including the trees.

By Overrated

July 18, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t surprise me that they are pulling out of Gwinnett Mall. They will probably replace the empty spaces with a taqueria. Starbucks coffee did improve slightly after tweaking their business practices recently, but it’s nothing special. There’s a coffee shop chain in Germany called Tchibo that has much better coffee and at half the price of Starbucks. Would like to see that take on Starbucks and Caribou over here.

By John Tackett

July 18, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Tom - I thought it was odd to close the one accross the street from the Aquarium as well (I am a volunteer there) but then remembered there is a Starbucks Kiosk in the CNN Center that has been there much longer.

That is the only store that I patronized that was on the list.

By Gary

July 18, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

End of the world?? Are you kidding me? I pass 10 on my way to work every morning. If one closes down I can just go to another one. Starbucks are like nail salons and Waffle Houses. The pop up 5 in just one 10 mile radius. No use crying over spilled java.

By scooter11

July 18, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

You get more for the same money with a gallon of gas.

By Gil

July 18, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I agree, Gary..In most major cities, there are at least 3 Starbucks on the same block.

Interestingly enough, 10 years ago there were hardly any SB stores around. I would have a variety of chains and independent stores than 1 huge monolith that more or less dominates the entire industry.

By JoeDon

July 18, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Does anyone truly give a flying &$%^?

By Lloyd Bensen

July 18, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

“Coffee is coffee not matter what bean you pick.”

I know coffee, coffee is a friend of mine, and you don’t know coffee!

By Jeffisgoofingoff

July 18, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

That’s fine with me, I was tired of Starbucks. I like to support the local neighborhood coffee shops anyway.

By dixiewife 44

July 18, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

End of the world ? not atm, but we’ll see at 5:11 on the morning of December 21, 20012.

By meesha

July 18, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I am so bummed! It is hard enough to find a good cup of coffee. Especially when you live OTP.

By Vinings store to be missed

July 18, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I will miss the Vinings location. It is a good place to stop on a weekend morning, grab a cup, relax and read. Parking was the problem for this store, as during the week, impossible to get in/out. Weekends were better. In general, Starbucks coffee stores popped up like McDonalds. SB grew too fast and became too common. The brand has become ordinary. When I see a Starbucks billboard on I75, it no longer is a “coffeehouse”. Can I do without? Yes, as I am not a big coffee drinker and visit when I need a jolt from the cold or am looking for a place to stop in, relax, & have a cup. Caribou Coffee is actually better. PJs Coffee was good too, but went out of business.

By JM

July 18, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Starbucks is over-priced and over-rated. I like coffee, but it doesn’t like me. I’m a die-hard tea drinker, and you can’t get decent tea anywhere but home. I order my tea direct from the importer. The company I use has great online service, polite, knowledgable phone reps, and values quality over commercialism. Order by mail and save gas, time, and hassles!

By jc_atl

July 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Starbucks serves overpriced, burnt coffee, and their staff no longer even needs to know how to make a real espresso drink, they just push a button.

If you want real coffee in Atlanta there are plenty of options, but Starbucks and Caribou are not it. Aurora is the absolute best, but Octane and Rev are also worth a visit if you happen to be in that part of town.

By Kayne

July 18, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Oh, thats too bad. I always get a good laugh seeing people actually wait in line at a Starbucks to pay $5 for a $.50 cup of over sweetened bitter coffee. Why do you think its so full of flavor enhancers? Have you ever tasted a plain cup of Starbucks coffee? It taste like battery acid. Suckers!

By Me

July 18, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

The whole concept of Starbucks was never really about the coffee - it was more about the coffee house experience. Whether or not you like it, it provided a wave of coffeehouses that would not have seemed viable otherwise.

I love how it gives every all these people who are too good for something as big as Starbucks. We get it - you’re cool, too cool for Starbucks.

Yes, there have been too many Starbucks, but I also see some that still have lines out the door.

The flip side is that this is not a good sign for the economy. You now have people out of work, though I hope they can get moved to other stores. Starbucks does provide good benefits, they even provide medical benefits to part time workers. I think that is great and I hope they can continue to provide that and hopefully keep more people from needing federal or state medical care.

By Kayne

July 18, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Oh, thats too bad. I always get a good laugh seeing people actually wait in line at a Starbucks to pay $5 for a $.50 cup of over sweetened bitter coffee. Why do you think its so full of flavor enhancers? Have you ever tasted a plain cup of Starbucks coffee? It taste like battery acid. Suckers!

By GT

July 18, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Agree with most of the comments about only closing 13 GA stores not being a big deal - they’re just eliminating overhead (just find another store in your area)…but 1 closing surprised me - the downtown Vinings st….it was busy all the time and was kinda like the local coffeehouse hangout for everyone - but I think there is more to that closing…I believe they want to use that space (amazin’ location) for a new restaurant(s) and just sold out the space, esp. given the NY Deli recently closed/moved locations…anybody have any inside info. on this?

By webspinner

July 18, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Mike, It’s just a blog. It’s supposed to be tongue-iin-cheek. Get over yourself whydontcha?

By Jim

July 18, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

If anyone wants to come talk to a reporter about the closing of the Midtown store (Peachtree at 17th), I’ll be there about 11:30-12ish, standing outside.

By Jim

July 18, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

If anyone wants to come talk to a reporter about the closing of the Midtown store (Peachtree at 17th), I’ll be there about 11:30-12ish, standing outside.

By Jim

July 18, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

If anyone wants to come talk to a reporter about the closing of the Midtown store (Peachtree at 17th), I’ll be there about 11:30-12ish, standing outside.

By Jim

July 18, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

If anyone wants to come talk to a reporter about the closing of the Midtown store (Peachtree at 17th), I’ll be there about 11:15-12ish, standing outside.

By Diana

July 18, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Blah blah blah……

By I Love Coffee

July 18, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

For all you who mock Starbucks coffee, you have never had good coffee. You are like the person who drinks Milawaukee’s Best beer and mocks those who drink Heineken. It is like those uninformed who drink Thunderbird wine and mock those who drink good Rose’

You only know Maxwell house or Folgers, and you think that stale stuff is “real coffee”.

Try some good Sumatra or Brazilian Santos, fresh roasted, ground on the spot and brewed! Man, that’s living!!!

By Dave Perry

July 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

It’s all part and parcel of a corrective course that is going on in America. Too many houses at silly prices and with loans to people who can’t afford them and we get a correction. Too many Starbucks at silly prices for a cup of joe and we get a correction. Gasoline prices seem to be next.

By Barbara

July 18, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

There are no Starbucks stores within a 70-mile radius of where I live (imagine that!). But I see people coming through to go to the beach and they’ll run into stores desperately seeking Starbucks to the point that they present themselves as either anxiety-ridden or downright angry because they can’t get their Starbucks.

To that I ask - *what is the world coming to? * Perspective, folks. Perspective. It’s just coffee. It’s not life/death.

By Starbucks = real coffee? Dream On!

July 18, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Starbucks is overrated and overpriced. It no longer provides good coffee or a coffeehouse experience.

For good coffee, grinding and brewing your own is always the best option. If you want good coffee and a coffeehouse ambience, there are both local shops and other chains that outshine Starbucks. In terms of other chains, I find the coffee and the service at The Daily Grind to be better than that at Starbucks.

By Billy

July 18, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Who the f*$k cares? My wife stopped buying their gutterwater when we learned that Starbucks was a contributor to Israel. We like to think we contributed to their downfall. :)

By MDB

July 18, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

At first I, too, was shocked to see the original Vinings location on the list, but the more you think about it, the more sense it makes. There is no drive through, and all those “regulars” that hang out there all morning do not equal more $$$. In fact, since they take up about 2-3 tables a piece for extended periods of time, it probably drove people off, thinking it would be too crowded. I really did like this location, for the few times I would go get SB, though, so it sucks to see that one go.

By SillyPeople

July 18, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

I always love it when Starbucks is in the headlines. The people that say “That is stupid to pay $5 for a cup off coffee anyway” make me laugh.

A cup of coffee at Starbucks runs around a buck, $2.10 for 20oz. That is as cheap or cheaper than other chains and restaruants that serve lousy coffee (including duncan d).

Yes, they are suffering like every other business and must make cuts. That doesnt make it a bad product, just a business decision to keep the company profitable and alive.

I am always amazed at people that “love” to see other people fail or suffer. If you dont like coffee or SB coffee fine. But being glad a place is closing is a pretty negative attitude to have.

By Stan

July 18, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Nice how this has turned into an excuse for yet another episode of Starbucks bashing. How are all the Starbucks haters (ooh, look at me, I drink real coffee at a neighborhood “indy” shop or DD; wow, I’m like Satre and Camus) coming up with this mythical $5 Starbucks cup of coffee? Have you actually bought coffee there — coffee, not a “frap” or some quasi smoothie drink — or is this something you read in “Coffee Snobs Weekly.” A regular old cup of coffee is a buck and change at Starbucks, not $5. Some folks like Starbucks coffee, plain and simple. I’m one. I like other coffees, too. Big deal. Your coffee preference doesn’t give you some sort of moral or intellectual superiority.

By Mark

July 18, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Next time you want to go somewhere to have someone brew coffee for you, try Cool Beans, one block from the Marietta Square. They roast their beans on premises and it’s truly outstanding coffee. It’s one of the things I miss about Metro Atlanta since moving out of state, but I can still buy their coffee online!

By My3Kids

July 18, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

I am a huge coffee drinker. While I like Starbucks, I prefer Caribou Coffee (nothing like the Mint Condition). However, my husband only drinks his coffee black. I have recently gotten him hooked on Starbucks because of our recent vacation. At least I can buy it in the grocery stores.

The funny thing is with SB closing 13 stores, I have seen 5 stores that are currently being built while driving around Cobb and Cherokee. I can’t remember where they were all at, but they are FINALLY building one near Kennestone Hospital. I only say finally because Kennestone HAS THE WORSE coffee of any hospital.

By drinker

July 18, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Why would anyone in thier right mind buy a cuo of coffee for $5?? Dunkin donuts beats them hands down, without raping the ignorant.

By David

July 18, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Are you kidding me AJC? Come on, I know you have a hard time finding ridiculous crap to write about (which you do very well) but end of the world because a coffee chain is closing stores?

Please, you are supposed to be a major newspaper but instead you operate like a high school newspaper.

By SM

July 18, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

I have never understood how people drink coffee. Once I found out that 85% of the taste of coffee is registered by the “burnt” taste buds, I decided there was no use trying it anymore. How is a scalding hot cup of burnt something you WANT to drink??? Starbucks was a way for cold, wet, depressed, unemployed Seattle residents to waste the day away and the rest of the country fell for the joke. Now if they’d just start closing down some overpriced restaurants, clothing stores and department stores, we might get this economy on some good footing.

By PayTron

July 18, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Starbucks is like cockroaches, just everywhere for no reason. I think they’ve reached their pinnacle and need to come back down to earth. It’s only coffee for Pete’s sake.

By bikerchick

July 18, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

I agree w/some of the bloggers…that Starbucks is really about the coffehouse experience more than anything, and that is what has made it so popular. In this crazy, run-around world we are living in, it can be really nice to meet with friends over coffee, with good music in the background and a decor that lends itself to hip relaxation. I take my teenage daughter there for a special treat once in a blue moon…we talk and laugh and catch up. The economy is scary and this is just another sign of it…but Starbucks presumed too much by expanding so quickly.

By Bb

July 18, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Gotta admit I’m bummed about the Vinings closure. it’s such a cute store, nice shaded area outside. Parking was horrendous. I’m bummed because it seems like everything around the Jubilee is going out of business and that’s bad for the neighborhood. Not sure what’s going on …

By CommonSenseRules

July 18, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

No great loss! As a former Seattle resident of 20 years, I always have felt that Starbucks was overrated, and in my decade plus in the ATL area, that their supersaturation marketing strategy would bomb. Frankly, I am surprised that there are not more closures. Who would miss them?

By Steve

July 18, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I’ve never been a huge fan of Starbucks, but that Vinings location has been a big part of the Vinings experience for years. It’s always nice to wander over there and sip a latte on the patio and watch the world go by after eating dinner somewhere in the historic section. It would seem to me that there are other stores in the area more worthy of being shut down. Why don’t they go after the ones in places like Stockbridge or ‘Souff DeKabb’ that should never have been opened in the first place? I sure hope they replace it with something similar, like a Caribou or an Aurora (come to think of it, either of those would probably be a substantial improvement).

By Road Runner

July 18, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

There are 5 at the Mall of Georgia. Take away one, and I think we’ll be ok!

By Mary

July 18, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a store near me, so I would have been very bummed if “my” SB was closing. There aren’t many opportunities to get their coffee in my neighborhood. I drive 15 min out of my way for it because I enjoy it that much.
In other metro areas (DC, Boston, NY)I have seen multiple stores on the same block. We don’t have anywhere near that kind of density in Atlanta.

By Road Runner

July 18, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Drinker: Just fyi… a cup of coffee at Starbucks is under $2. It’s all the specialty foo-foo stuff that gets pricey.

By gimme an OJ

July 18, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

not ‘bummed’ at all —I’m an OJ guy —don’t do coffee.

By David

July 18, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

SM,

Believe it or not, people drank coffee before SBUX. Much more robusta than arabica, but we still drank coffee.

By ihorizon

July 18, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I am not a coffee drinker but I do like the smell of it. I’m curious what the general population would like to see out there in place of Starbucks these days as it seems that the “Friends” in coffehouse is fading away.

By Road Runner

July 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Here’s a tip for those who do enjoy an occasional Starbucks: just as they offer Tall, Grande, and Venti sizes, they also have a Short that is not listed on the menu board and is less expensive. The only difference between the sizes in specialty drinks is the amount of milk or water they put in it. All of them have one shot of espresso unless you ask for a double. You’re paying for milk or water! So ask for a Short next time and get a better, stronger latte or cappuccino. A short is also enough for just a little coffee fix in the morning!

By Will

July 18, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

While some Starbucks coffee blends are good, the stores always seem to brew the strongest most bitter blends that Starbucks sells.

I used to visit the Starbucks at 7th@Ptree daily, but I have not been there since last October. The atmosphere is just not the same. Caribou is not much better. Some of the local coffeehouses have the best coffee and better atmosphere.

By Ed

July 18, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

I’ve tried Starbucks only once. Once was enough. Maybe it’s not fair to judge a company by one experience, but first impressions are extremely important.

I’ll stick to Maxwell House with Bailey’s in it. Definitely makes the day better! ;-)

By Steve

July 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

ihorizon - Um, I dunno - juice bars maybe? Or maybe we’ll all just go back to destroying our livers Cheers-style.

By Barista

July 18, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

I Love Coffee, dial back the attitude. There are a bunch of us who know and love coffee as much as you and feel legitimately that Starbucks overroasts their beans… it’s their signature style. Maybe you like it, but there’s room for disagreement on that.

I personally don’t care for Starbucks’ mystery blends, (prefer a nice varietal myself) and it’s known that they can keep their beans in bags for as long as six months after roasting, hardly fresh in my book.

By ihateu

July 18, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

who really gives a f*?

By The Truth Comes Out

July 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Never been in one and never will. Maybe if they hadnt spent so much money supporting gun control they could have kept the stores open. I could care less if they go bankrupt.

By ihorizon

July 18, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Steve - hmmmm not too bad an idea, although I think I would probably prefer to see granitas and sorbets. Years ago in my college town used to be a yogurt shop and it was very good. This was before days of anyone hearing of yogurt. I also wouldn’t mind seeing a Donato’s-like or Pizza/Taco Taqueria shop. I miss Maui Tacos and Donato’s when they closed down. As for Cheers, loved the music theme but got tired of the Diane/ Carla routine. Kirsey was okay.

By rhw

July 18, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Starbuck started to move real fast here in the Metro-area. Magic-Johnson also part of this mega-venture and starbuck’s coffee is real high in price; real strong and was doing a busting business. To soon mean to fast and while we pay the same in gas prices; you bet they are looking at something that was simple, yet, they fail to decrease their prices; rather, they elect to close 600 of their stores. Fine! it’s their money and their problems. I would close my 600 stores, but I would lower the price of the coffee and perhaps close if the business in one or two stores is not making it. Starbucks coffee has its rights!

By Newsboy

July 18, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

HOW MUCH COFFEE CAN PEOPLE DRINK?! I’m really surprised they’re not closing more stores in Metro Atlanta since the duplication is ENDLESS. In Fayetteville alone, there are three locations ACROSS THE STREET from each other … one in Barnes & Noble, one inside Target and one stand-alone. Oh, and ANOTHER just a couple miles away. GEEZ!

By Concerned on Grove

July 18, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the closings had anything to do with public outrage over that one Tuesday they closed all of the stores for Barista training. I’m just so glad they didn’t close my favorite store — the one at CNN. Like, OMG, they make the best coffee and have the best service.

By shadow7071

July 18, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Many businesses rise and fall on consumer preferences and trends. Home Depot’s rise coincided with a rising interest in “This Old House”, “Hometime”, “The Victory Garden and other home improvement show. People inspired by these programs (and having disposable income) bought stuff from The Home Depot to fix up their homes. That trend is now very much waning. People want to do more than work on home projects.

Startbucks is suffering from the same phenomena - the coffee shop experience was dramatized through television and film. Starbucks saw the opportunity to offer that lifestyle experience in everyone’s neighborhood. It has worked for awhile. But now our our tastes are changing, the price is significant, but most important of all, we are in search of a new experience.

By Beanie

July 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Let’s see now… I can think of 3 SB locations not far apart from each other:

1. Briarcliff/Lavista (corner)
2. N. Druid Hills/Lavista (next to CVS)
3. Briarcliff/N. Druid Hills (Loehman’s Plaza)

By Concerned on Grove

July 18, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

has Whitney Houston been seen in any of the Starbucks? Maybe they should get her as a spokesperson and she could maybe do cameo performances at locations throughout Atlanta.

By Concerned on Grove

July 18, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Robby is a big ole loser. I heard he beats his puppy becuase Herrra likes to piddle on the floor.

By Concerned on Grove

July 18, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Vote for Change and vote for Obama

By Me

July 18, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

shadow7071 - Starbucks pre-dated coffeehouses being shown on tv and film if you’re talking about Friends etc. Starbucks is over 30 years old and started the coffhouse trend in the 80s. I went to high school in the 80s outside of Seattle when Starbucks was starting to get big and coffeehouses were the only place for kids under 21 to really hang out late at night. It’s also still a great place for people who are younger or people who don’t drink.

Again - you all need to get over yourselves. Yes it’s correcting and frankly that’s smart. If you don’t get it - move on. I also don’t get NASCAR, but I don’t spend time putting down people who do.

By caffeinated

July 18, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

who really and truthfully gives a big ol’ rat’s a**!!

By The Truth Comes Out

July 18, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

NObama O8!

By daisy

July 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

i tried starbucks a couple of times and was less than impressed. sure, you can get a cup of coffee there for less than two bucks, but you can also make your own cup at the house for even less than that! one suggestion: try your java at home with a shot of starbucks coffee liqueur or their cream liqueur. it’s much better than kalua and absolutely deelish! that’s the only starbucks i’m willing to pay for.

By Robby

July 18, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Like Marxism? Vote Obama!!!

By Lissa

July 18, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

I find it funny that they are closing two stores in Macon. For a very, very long time, the only SB in Macon was inside a Barnes & Noble. They didn’t even open those stores until the craze had already hit its peak and started to dip. They waited too long to open those stores and lost out on any hope of getting Maconites “hooked.” I’m surprised they didn’t close the ones in Warner Robins that just opened.

By The Truth Comes Out

July 18, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Bobby Re:2:55 post you are dead on but the people who are voting for him dont even know what he stands for or that he has accomplished nothing as a senator. Uninitiated inexperienced voters voting for an uninitiated inexperienced slick talker who has not got a clue! Scary very scary! If elected he will set this country back to the Jimmy Carter days and worse. Be careful dumbocrats you may just get what you are asking for. Marxism is no fun just ask the people of Russia who are thrilled to be free now.

By Pandora

July 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

There are much more REALLY serious things that should be discussed besides Starbucks closing 13 stores in Georgia! Who Cares? They don’t sell the best coffee anyway!

By Pandora

July 18, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

GO OBAMA!!!! OBAMA ALL THE WAY!!!

By The Truth Comes Out

July 18, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I bet that the Obama supporters would let a first year med student preform open heart surgery on them as long as he was…. oh never mind.

By Satinder

July 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

their coffee was awful and they burned the beans….how could anyone drink that stuff? Good Bye…so long….cockroaches!!!

By LA

July 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

As one of the finer coffee purveyors in Atlanta once called it: “Char-bucks.” I’ve always considered it too harsh for my taste, overpriced and hyped-up. Glad there will be less temptation for impulsive consumers.

By hornet

July 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Make your own coffee and take a Thermos. You’ll save about five bucks and it will taste a lot better than that burned garbage they sell.

By john

July 18, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

hey ajc, looks like you were too quick with the layoffs, your crappy map does not work

By Give Matt Ryan a chance

July 18, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Good to see some Starbucks closings since there appears to be one on every corner now. We need more Dunkin Donuts opened; Dunkin’s coffee blows away Starbucks and it’s less expensive to boot. Go Dunkin!

By Kathleen

July 18, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Too bad about Starbucks. Do not make comments if you have never purchased a cup of coffee there-it is not $5 for plain coffee. They always know my name when I walk in the door and are pleasant. How many business can attest to that. Great lattes and fraps. Good pastries. Hate to see closings and lost jobs.

By Kathleen

July 18, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Too bad about Starbucks. Do not make comments if you have never purchased a cup of coffee there-it is not $5 for plain coffee. They always know my name when I walk in the door and are pleasant. How many business can attest to that. Great lattes and fraps. Good pastries. Hate to see closings and lost jobs.

By Kathleen

July 18, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Too bad about Starbucks. Do not make comments if you have never purchased a cup of coffee there-it is not $5 for plain coffee. They always know my name when I walk in the door and are pleasant. How many business can attest to that. Great lattes and fraps. Good pastries. Hate to see closings and lost jobs.

By SafeRide America

July 18, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

After coming to the realization that I was spending between $80-100 a month on coffee at Starbucks and others, I bought a $600 low-end commercial espresso machine off of the internet. Do not waste your money on a sub-$100 machine. Now I spend around $35 a month doing it myself…and it tastes even better than what to “pros” can do. Good luck Starbucks…I have smelled the coffee.

By shadow7071

July 18, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Me One of the hardest things in life to accept is change. Sometimes change is good and sometimes it’s bad. But, the fact is change happens and change is happening to Starbucks. And for loyal, long-term, customers this change is unsettling.

My comments about changing consumer preferences was not a put down or insult to SB. With over twenty-five years experience in consumer product development and marketing I could have said more. Some good and some bad. But overall SB is a good company that developed a niche. Now that niche is running out. It doesn’t mean that SB will go away. They will continue to have a loyal customer base. And, as long as they continue to provide a good product and customer experience their base will stay with them.

A few weeks ago Erbe Walker died. Erbe has sold me hotdogs, french fries and Coca-Colas for better than thirty years. Last week I stopped by the V for lunch. Erbe wasn’t there. It’s change, it’s unsettling, but the V will go on.

Next week I will be in Seattle. I’ll have a coffee at SB.

By Kyria

July 18, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Why anybody would willingly pay Starbuck’s exorbitant prices for over roasted, burnt crap is beyond me. I’ve patronized them, but only in a fit of caffeine desperation (about once or twice a year). Save your money and support a local coffeehouse!

By MJ

July 18, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

I agree with Kathleen. I go to Starbucks on 14th and they know me by name and know my order. Half the time, they are already preparing my drink before I even walk up to the counter. I have run into baristas around town and we are able to chat like friends. I go for the atmosphere and excellent service which is hard to find anywhere these days.

By IhateBucks

July 18, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

*I LOVE IT. I wonder how many of the fat cats at the top took pay cuts. *

By Jeff

July 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I am so going to miss the Vinings location. I have many fond memories growing up and going to that location. I hope they find another location for Sean, the manager at the Austell location. He is great!

By Good Riddens!

July 19, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

It’s about time. I used to go to Starbucks on occasion, but then it slowly tapered off. Why? For starters, it was $5 worth of calories and fat. Hmm, do I need that? Not really. Secondly, I started to realize that it’s not the consumers that were stuck-up and pretentious (as many Starbucks haters believe), but rather the WORKERS. The workers there are some of the rudest I’ve come across. When someone has a flat tire and is asking for directions to somewhere to have it fixed, the last thing they want to hear is “I don’t know. Want to buy a coffee, though?” Sure, because your bitter, over-priced junk is going to fix their tire!

Good bye, Starbucks. You won’t be missed. If you’re losing your job or hours due to closings, maybe it’s your wake-up call to find a place that actually has some decency (not to mention good food/coffee). Try one of the local coffee shops if you’re dead-set on being a barista!

By Concerned on Grove

July 19, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Matt, Melinda and Courtney should be honored that Robby and I associate with them.

By Rooby

July 19, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Matt and Melinda and Courtney are the sizznit. Sean is a ne’re do-well who get’s his kicks off of lampooning others. He needs clinical help!

By myownthing

July 22, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

I am a contributor to the Starbucks closings. Having once been a regular at two stores, I haven’t visited a Starbucks in over a year. I frecently bought nice Mr. Coffee with timer and a can of Bustelo espresso coffee. Since I’m the only coffee drinker in my house, I wasted a cup a day. I propose to live a more frugal life and refridgerated the cup one day. Well, a half cup poured over ice with a little hazelnut creamer, finished with vanilla soymilk made a wonderful iced coffee. No more Starbucks for me. I get to work earlier and sometimes make my special iced drink for coworkers rather than waste office brew. Try it!

By Robby

July 22, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Sean is so dumb he doesn’t want to attend Thursday night trivia because it will showcase his clinical ignunce. He needs to up his lithium treatments.