Starbucks

Léan · 09-01-2015 9:28pm

Richard Jacob of Idaho Cafe posts his thoughts on the news that Starbucks is coming to the city centre.

Interesting... I think it's fairly sad to see Starbucks coming to the city centre. Once again Cork is losing more of it's identity. It's a bit of a stinger too for the lads next door in Rocket Man; a local, young business. I hope it doesn't take much away from them.

kcb · 11-01-2015 10:43am

I have no interest in ever getting a coffee in Starbucks as it is probably crap and overpriced like the rest of the chains, but I think it's a bit pathetic to hear the likes of Idaho whinging about them arriving in Cork.

If Idaho and the rest provide good coffee at a reasonable price then they needn't worry. People will continue to go there. McDonalds might loose a few customers to Starbucks.

I find it interesting that Idaho doesnt open on Sundays (one of the busiest days surely) but then constantly gives out about others taking their business.

c montgomery · 11-01-2015 1:18pm

Léan wrote: »

Richard Jacob of Idaho Cafe posts his thoughts on the news that Starbucks is coming to the city centre.

Interesting... I think it's fairly sad to see Starbucks coming to the city centre. Once again Cork is losing more of it's identity. It's a bit of a stinger too for the lads next door in Rocket Man; a local, young business. I hope it doesn't take much away from them.

I agree with Richards sentiment in his blog, Cork city needs more unique retailers rather than chain retailers.
When I visit other cities I hate the ubiquitous nature of some of them, the ones I enjoy are ones with unique shops which bring more character and would leave me wanting to return.

lisasimpson · 11-01-2015 1:29pm

Im a bit surprised at the location they picked kn the city center..as for the local shops complaining none of them open in the evening time after work.theres a big market there.

JohnK · 11-01-2015 3:36pm

lisasimpson wrote: »

..as for the local shops complaining none of them open in the evening time after work.theres a big market there.

With any luck this will jumpstart a few more to try late opening because there is definitely a market for late cafes - I'm lead to believe the one in City Gate is doing great business in the evenings.

lisasimpson · 11-01-2015 3:39pm

It is.u can spot the 1st dates a mile off in there.

ongarboy · 15-01-2015 6:15pm

A second city centre Starbucks for Opera Lane/Emmet Place corner!

http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/is-starbucks-already-planning-a-second-cork-city-store-307140.html

namloc1980 · 15-01-2015 6:20pm

ongarboy wrote: »

A second city centre Starbucks for Opera Lane/Emmet Place corner!

http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/is-starbucks-already-planning-a-second-cork-city-store-307140.html

I see the local business owners are up in arms already.

SpaceTime · 15-01-2015 6:22pm

I bet they'll open at least 3 in the city centre before long.

Costa already have a very large presence.

I just hope it doesn't undermine the local stuff though there are some excellent coffee shops in Cork, just a shame none of them open past 6pm ish.

54kroc · 15-01-2015 6:28pm

namloc1980 wrote: »

I see the local business owners are up in arms already.

tbh from what some of our local business owners have been saying on social media has kind of put me of going into their own businesses.

DoYouEvenLift · 15-01-2015 6:33pm

Well if the locals actually provide high quality coffee that's actually worth the high cost and not the usual overpriced sh!te, including Starbucks, they shouldn't have anything to worry about since legitimate coffee lovers will be aware of them and seek them out.

dudara · 15-01-2015 6:40pm

I don't think the local high quality coffee shops should be worried - after all, there's very little cross over between their market shares. The coffee fans will continue to go where they like (CCR, Filter, Idaho etc) and others will go to Costa/Starbucks.

In fact, having a Starbucks nearby could actually increase footfall for some retailers. Then there's the added benefit of employment. Plus, if Starbucks gets more people drinking coffee, then that's potentially more people for the indys to convert.

I actually really fail to see any major negatives. The recent news about Starbucks and Nandos shows that a bit of vibrancy is returning to Cork. (These brands will only open if there's a business case to support it). Hopefully, it will incentivise local retailers.

thomil · 15-01-2015 10:18pm

That second location seems to be a direct challenge to Costa Coffee. Looks like Starbucks has thrown down the gauntlet, I like it. I rarely ever manage to find a seat in any of the existing coffee shops when I'm in town, so any increase in capacity is welcome, from my perspective.

lisasimpson · 15-01-2015 10:49pm

Hopefully some of the good coffee shops in town extend their opening hours with their arrival. I would have like them in grand parade upper patricks st one less empty buildings on the main str

what the hell! · 16-01-2015 12:34am

I was saying the same thing about the opening hours of the coffee shops in town. If you want to meet a friend after six it has to be in the pub if you're not eating. Was in Starbucks in Mahon around 9pm last week and it was mobbed.

JohnK · 16-01-2015 12:39am

Has anyone heard anymore about one opening in Douglas?

Corholio · 16-01-2015 12:51am

dudara wrote: »

I actually really fail to see any major negatives. The recent news about Starbucks and Nandos shows that a bit of vibrancy is returning to Cork. (These brands will only open if there's a business case to support it). Hopefully, it will incentivise local retailers.

That's something I'd never consider a Starbucks or a Nando's bringing to a city to be honest. I'm not on the complaining retailer side either, the upping their quality argument is very valid. However in an aesthetic and actual substance way, these add nothing and actually detract.

calnand · 16-01-2015 1:53am

SpaceTime wrote: »

I bet they'll open at least 3 in the city centre before long.

Costa already have a very large presence.

I just hope it doesn't undermine the local stuff though there are some excellent coffee shops in Cork, just a shame none of them open past 6pm ish.

They already have one planned for the new development on albert quay. So that's three already.

Dave147 · 16-01-2015 5:17am

Only reason I would go to Starbucks is opening hours, drove past Filter this evening at 7pm and it was closed, I probably would've picked up a coffee as I had been running around all day.

dudara · 16-01-2015 9:10am

Corholio wrote: »

That's something I'd never consider a Starbucks or a Nando's bringing to a city to be honest. I'm not on the complaining retailer side either, the upping their quality argument is very valid. However in an aesthetic and actual substance way, these add nothing and actually detract.

Sorry, if I wasn't clear, I meant economic vibrancy.

nomeban · 16-01-2015 11:02am

I'm really looking forward to this.

As other posters have stated, it's very hard to find a good coffee after 6pm.

Webworkhouse is OK but always full.

There's a cafe on McCurtain street that stays open until midnight actually - CafeSpresso. Never been there tho. Anybody tried that place?

By the way, the 2nd Starbucks around Emmet Place - are they taking over the clothes shop Mego or Miego whatever it's called?

SpaceTime · 16-01-2015 11:56am

Coffee Roasters new place on French Church Street is really nice but soooo small. They need a second floor of seating.

nomeban · 16-01-2015 12:14pm

SpaceTime wrote: »

Coffee Roasters new place on French Church Street is really nice but soooo small. They need a second floor of seating.

It is really small yeah. Most of the time I just get coffee to go so seating doesn't bother me - but it's too small even for that! You have to be careful opening the front door in case you smash it off people queuing inside.

run_Forrest_run · 16-01-2015 12:34pm

nomeban wrote: »

It is really small yeah. Most of the time I just get coffee to go so seating doesn't bother me - but it's too small even for that! You have to be careful opening the front door in case you smash it off people queuing inside.

It's this sort of thing that annoys me, at least with the likes of the Satan's spawn chains like Starbucks they might consider the customer who might actually want to sit down and consume the product on the premises.

I've given up going to CCR on Bridge St. because it's just too crammed and zero chance of getting a seat.

the beer revolu · 16-01-2015 1:20pm

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

I've given up going to CCR on Bridge St. because it's just too crammed and zero chance of getting a seat.

If it's always rammed, why should they change their model?

Moghead · 16-01-2015 1:54pm

I think alot of the independent cafes do nicer food than the chains too. The drinks in Starbucks are ok, if a bit expensive, but their food is fairly bland and overpriced. Costa and Insomnia would even be better for food.

run_Forrest_run · 16-01-2015 4:29pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

If it's always rammed, why should they change their model?

such a thing called reacting to customer's needs and in the face of stiff competition they may be sorry for not expanding to provide more comfortable facilities for their customers.

I8A4RE · 18-01-2015 1:56am

There's planning for a second Starbucks where the Mego store is across from TopShop at the end of Opera Lane.

ongarboy · 19-01-2015 2:54pm

I8A4RE wrote: »

There's planning for a second Starbucks where the Mego store is across from TopShop at the end of Opera Lane.

It's the brown brick Queen Anne house that was preserved as part of the Opera Lane development. Apparently a store called Kuyichi occupied the building before.

http://c2.thejournal.ie/media/2014/08/emmet-place-571x500.jpg

DoYouEvenLift · 19-01-2015 3:01pm

Someone should link this thread to some of the smaller chain cafes, maybe they'll change their opening hours and find other suggestions to help them

pwurple · 19-01-2015 3:59pm

That's a beautiful building, delighted to hear it's being occupied!

out da lough · 04-02-2015 10:41am

I some of the assertions made by local chains to be completely off the wall. Local chains operating in the hospitality business seem to think that they have some sort of God given right to succeed in business. There is nothing stopping any of these chains from opening in Seattle or anywhere else for that matter. If they are against "International chains stealing their business," then they should realise that there are over 3,000 people working for Apple in Cork, many of whom would spend money in their cafés, bars, restuarants etc. One or two of the "local independent bars" are also in reality local chains who see nothing wrong in maximising their profits, so why should they object when a bigger chain comes along? At the end of the day, it will be the customer who decides where to purchase the product and no one "owns" the market.

run_Forrest_run · 04-02-2015 11:12am

out da lough wrote: »

I some of the assertions made by local chains to be completely off the wall. Local chains operating in the hospitality business seem to think that they have some sort of God given right to succeed in business. There is nothing stopping any of these chains from opening in Seattle or anywhere else for that matter. If they are against "International chains stealing their business," then they should realise that there are over 3,000 people working for Apple in Cork, many of whom would spend money in their cafés, bars, restuarants etc. One or two of the "local independent bars" are also in reality local chains who see nothing wrong in maximising their profits, so why should they object when a bigger chain comes along? At the end of the day, it will be the customer who decides where to purchase the product and no one "owns" the market.

hear hear, agree 100%.
All this chain bashing by 'local' businesses smacks of parochialism.

SpaceTime · 04-02-2015 12:07pm

The local chains will be fine. The innovative, high quality and quirkier places survived Costa (which strangely doesn't attract the same level is panic as Starbucks despite the fact that it's far far more aggressivly rolled out)

Little island
Blackpool
Douglas
UCC
Merchants Quay
Emmet Place
Ballincollig
Mallow

Starbucks expanded quite aggressively in Dublin before Costa did there. The good independent places, of which Dublin like Cork has many, are all doing fine!

Ireland has a strongly established modern coffee house sector. In many other markets Starbucks was the first that did that (including most of the US).

Starbucks is only one of many and a late arrival too.
It's not something I'd see as a threat to Cork's very sophisticated & food oriented places.

If it pushes opening hours later, it'll be a really good thing.

Ireland's cafes never seemed to comprehend that people want an evening coffee venue.

run_Forrest_run · 04-02-2015 1:31pm

SpaceTime wrote: »

Ireland's cafes never seemed to comprehend that people want an evening coffee venue.

The coffee shops will be the first to tell you, there is a massive drop off in coffee sales after about 3pm. I think yes, there is a demand for an alternative venue to pubs but I'm not sure if enough coffee would be sold to merit the extra costs associated with later opening for some of the existing cafes in Cork.

Cool_CM · 05-02-2015 2:38pm

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

hear hear, agree 100%.
All this chain bashing by 'local' businesses smacks of parochialism.

Yeah, I mean it's not like Starbucks ever started out as being a small local business

SpaceTime · 05-02-2015 3:14pm

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

The coffee shops will be the first to tell you, there is a massive drop off in coffee sales after about 3pm. I think yes, there is a demand for an alternative venue to pubs but I'm not sure if enough coffee would be sold to merit the extra costs associated with later opening for some of the existing cafes in Cork.

They'll have to change that culture though. If you provide things to attract people in, they'll come. There's also no expectation they'll be open so people don't go.

You'll always get a lull after lunch but you might get a peak again after work hours.

feargale · 10-02-2015 11:45pm

out da lough wrote: »

I some of the assertions made by local chains to be completely off the wall. Local chains operating in the hospitality business seem to think that they have some sort of God given right to succeed in business.

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

hear hear, agree 100%.
All this chain bashing by 'local' businesses smacks of parochialism.

I hold no brief for locals but I'll stop bashing Starbucks when they pay some tax here. Did somebody say something about God-given rights?

Douglas Eegit · 11-02-2015 11:37am

Was there much displeasure when lets say, O'Briens or Costa opened in the City or am i missing something about Starbucks?

feargale · 11-02-2015 2:45pm

Douglas Eegit wrote: »

Was there much displeasure when lets say, O'Briens or Costa opened in the City or am i missing something about Starbucks?

You and the rest of us are missing a few bob in tax from Starbucks. It could do wonders for our hospitals.

Douglas Eegit · 11-02-2015 5:29pm

feargale wrote: »

You and the rest of us are missing a few bob in tax from Starbucks. It could do wonders for our hospitals.

LOL. Why don't you start your protest across from this Starbucks office to Apple offices on half moon street..... but you know.
BTW, what are Costa's tax affairs like?

feargale · 12-02-2015 2:40am

Douglas Eegit wrote: »

LOL. Why don't you start your protest across from this Starbucks office to Apple offices on half moon street..... but you know.
BTW, what are Costa's tax affairs like?

You mean they're all at it? It's ok then, I guess.

Dave147 · 12-02-2015 3:46am

Getting lovely coffee's in newly opened place on Barrack St called Alchemy, lovely vibe and friendly staff. No reason for me to go to Starbucks really.

Douglas Eegit · 12-02-2015 9:34am

Dave147 wrote: »

Getting lovely coffee's in newly opened place on Barrack St called Alchemy, lovely vibe and friendly staff. No reason for me to go to Starbucks really.

Exactly, let the market decide. The sheep will always be led

Douglas Eegit · 12-02-2015 9:35am

feargale wrote: »

You mean they're all at it? It's ok then, I guess.

Why pick on one though, Starbucks in this instance, and not all?

KCAccidental · 12-02-2015 6:31pm

Douglas Eegit wrote: »

Why pick on one though, Starbucks in this instance, and not all?

the thread title?

nomeban · 12-02-2015 8:55pm

Dave147 wrote: »

Getting lovely coffee's in newly opened place on Barrack St called Alchemy, lovely vibe and friendly staff. No reason for me to go to Starbucks really.

Went in there when it opened, got a really nice cappuccino.

Visited again last week - cappucino was just milky coffee. No foam. Rubbish.

I won't be going there again as I know there's a 50/50 chance that the cappuccino will actually be a crappuccino.

That's one of the worst things about getting cappuccinos in Cork. There is no consistency. One week Cafe X is great, the next week they're shyte.

The ONLY place in Cork in my experience that consistently does excellent cappuccinos is Coffee Roasters on Bridge st.

Feck ... I sound like a snob don't I ....

Dave147 · 12-02-2015 11:27pm

nomeban wrote: »

Went in there when it opened, got a really nice cappuccino.

Visited again last week - cappucino was just milky coffee. No foam. Rubbish.

I won't be going there again as I know there's a 50/50 chance that the cappuccino will actually be a crappuccino.

That's one of the worst things about getting cappuccinos in Cork. There is no consistency. One week Cafe X is great, the next week they're shyte.

The ONLY place in Cork in my experience that consistently does excellent cappuccinos is Coffee Roasters on Bridge st.

Feck ... I sound like a snob don't I ....

Why not mention it to the owner instead of not going back there? Might've been a new barista? Went in there for the first time last Friday, was in again Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. All coffees tasted great except the one I got yesterday was a bit smaller than the rest, I'll say it to whoever is on tomorrow.

horgan_p · 13-02-2015 9:34am

In fairness , you can get one iffy coffee anywhere.
I'd give a place a fair chance (maybe 5 visits) before I wrote it off

Bacchus · 13-02-2015 9:51am

nomeban wrote: »

The ONLY place in Cork in my experience that consistently does excellent cappuccinos is Coffee Roasters on Bridge st.

I wish they were nearer to me. On the up side, Filter is on my walk to/from town and they do great coffee too.

The thing about Starbucks (in my opinion at least) is a consistent service with a comfy, relaxed setting. A lot of the places around Cork may do great coffee but it's high stool seats in a cramped space or just a regular 2/4 chair & a table setup. It's very, "get in, get your coffee and go". Starbucks though usually have nice comfy low seats and a less "busy" layout. It just feels more like a place where you can sit and chill out for a few hours if you wanted. That's probably why they have better success in the evening.

It'll be interesting to see what they do with that space they are going into though. It's not the biggest of floorplans.

Starbucks

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