BS: S*T*A*R*B*U*C*K*S opens in Italy(!)

Subject: BS: S*T*A*R*B*U*C*K*S opens in Italy(!)
From: robomatic
Date: 11 Sep 18 - 12:44 PM

Times they are just rollin' along. Starbucks just opened in the nation that gave us Espresso and even more importantly, the language of Espresso. They seem to be off to a glorious start, the news article on TV panned over a large very posh and ornate space, and mentioned that the prices were about double what one would pay in the States.

And they skipped Rome and Naples and opened in milan.

Apparently it's a pet project of Howard Schulz, the CEO, who had previously announced his retirement. Sounds like he's going out with a vanity project.

I was a patron of the original store in Seattle, then in Anchorage I became a supporter of a local brand, then drifted back to Starbucks. I was impressed when they opened a shop in The Forbidden City (which I believe they've since lost), and am more impressed that they've tackled Italy. I, for one, wish them well in a bemused sort of way.

Subject: RE: BS: S*T*A*R*B*U*C*K*S opens in Italy(!)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Sep 18 - 05:23 PM

Bet they won't be selling an espresso for a euro or a cappuccino for €1.30...

Subject: RE: BS: S*T*A*R*B*U*C*K*S opens in Italy(!)
From: robomatic
Date: 11 Sep 18 - 07:58 PM

Actually Steve, you can look it up without wasting space on suppositions. I got this:

"At the Milan Roastery, an espresso will cost 1.80 euros “sitting or standing,” Corriere della Sera noted, since in Italian coffee shops, the price changes depending on whether you have table service or gulp your drink down at the bar. A cappuccino will cost as much as 4.50 euros."

Subject: RE: BS: S*T*A*R*B*U*C*K*S opens in Italy(!)
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Sep 18 - 09:30 PM

You won't get many Italians paying that kind of money.

Subject: RE: BS: S*T*A*R*B*U*C*K*S opens in Italy(!)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Sep 18 - 02:09 AM

Words like 'snow' and 'Eskimos' (or is it 'Esquimaux'?) spring to mind. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: S*T*A*R*B*U*C*K*S opens in Italy(!)
From: Thompson
Date: 13 Sep 18 - 06:12 AM

Only things I really like in Starbucks are their 'frappucino' (a creamy, sweet iced coffee) and - well, I used to like their frozen shaken lemon tea, but they seem to have messed around with the recipe so it's not fizzy and nice any more. Their coffee is horrid, weak and caramel-tasting.