Starbucks in Foster Place

Wacko_Jacko

Eh, why has College sold Foster Place to Starbucks? Is the entire building sold or is it a freehold? If it's a freehold, how long is it for? This company is a disgrace and will ruin many of the smaller coffee shops in the area such as Coady's etc.

Crash

yes - because coadys has always been a highclass, clean, pleasant coffee shop. of course.

Ron DMC

Beats starbucks by a longshot. I'm gonna have a massive rant once that place opens.

Starbucks make a sweet frappucino.

Sarsfield

I'm sure Starbucks is just leasing the shop rather than getting into the business of buying office blocks.

They're opening a new store, thereby offering a new choice. I've no problem with that although I'll continue to get my coffee at Insomnia. The only way I'll have a problem with Starbucks is if they try to expand by taking over an existing chain. That results in a reduction of options which is bad.

Ronny, rather than rant, why not just continue to get your coffee from your favourite store? That's the best way to keep it in business

Wacko Jacko wrote:

This company....will ruin many of the smaller coffee shops in the area such as Coady's etc.

Why? Are the existing coffee shops so bad that people will flock to Starbucks?

Pet

Why? Are the existing coffee shops so bad that people will flock to Starbucks?

No, but Starbucks has such American prestige (*rolls eyes*) that all the OC-watching, Abercrombie-wearing, orange-faced, shallow, mindless, vacuous D4 twatwaffles will flock there like the sheep they are, so they can finally live out their pseudo-Californian fantasy of sipping half-fat low-carb orange-and-vanilla mochafrappucinos while listening to ****ty trendy "music" like James **** and talking about tomorrow's outfit.

John

Pet wrote:

No, but Starbucks has such American prestige (*rolls eyes*) that all the OC-watching, Abercrombie-wearing, orange-faced, shallow, mindless, vacuous D4 twatwaffles will flock there like the sheep they are, so they can finally live out their pseudo-Californian fantasy of sipping half-fat low-carb orange-and-vanilla mochafrappucinos while listening to ****ty trendy "music" like James **** and talking about tomorrow's outfit.

And whilst they all congregate in Star$s then we strike fast and hard.

JackKelly

Pet wrote:

No, but Starbucks has such American prestige (*rolls eyes*) that all the OC-watching, Abercrombie-wearing, orange-faced, shallow, mindless, vacuous D4 twatwaffles will flock there like the sheep they are, so they can finally live out their pseudo-Californian fantasy of sipping half-fat low-carb orange-and-vanilla mochafrappucinos while listening to ****ty trendy "music" like James **** and talking about tomorrow's outfit.

LMAO. Best (and most accurate) rant ever. Plenty of :v:'s.

Ilac

So now there's a Starbucks in Foster Place and a West Coast Coffee in the Nurses Building on D'Olier St. Perhaps the Burger King in Front Square that Mannion mentions in his SU e-mail this morning is actually on the cards...

Ag marbh

Death should be brougth to all of these companies.

RE*AC*TOR

There's nothing wrong with Starbucks, I've been to Starbucks in 5 or 6 different countries and everytime the coffee has been good, better than 90% of the coffee shops in Ireland. A little competition never hurt - I have a feeling that Insomnia have been shaping up to be bought out anyway. What does that leave? Very little really.

Hal1

Hey, is it true that starbucks is a dinner too? just something I heard hmm, and I hate those snobby twatwaffle tossers too

snorlax

but sure everywhere we're surrounded be chain stores, just walk down grafton street and try and count the number of irish owned stores left. it's all about globalization. what about when tescos arrived in ireland in place of quinnsworth, it never really stopped people shopping there even though tescos is british owned.
if you want to keep the smaller coffee places in buisness keep going to them, but even places like coffee society, cafe mocha and west coast coffee are all chain stores.
starbucks coffee is alright as a coffee, it's not the best but it only costs me a euro out in James and the only other coffee shop charges 2.50 for the same stuff so i'm going to stick to my student reductions in starbucks.

ApeXaviour

No, but Starbucks has such American prestige (*rolls eyes*) that all the OC-watching, Abercrombie-wearing, orange-faced, shallow, mindless, vacuous D4 twatwaffles will flock there like the sheep they are, so they can finally live out their pseudo-Californian fantasy of sipping half-fat low-carb orange-and-vanilla mochafrappucinos while listening to ****ty trendy "music" like James **** and talking about tomorrow's outfit.

I think that's your best one yet Pet..

And whilst they all congregate in Star$s then we strike fast and hard.

Back to your old witty ways I see John, good stuff.

Sarsfield wrote:

I've no problem with that although I'll continue to get my coffee at Insomnia.

Screw that, 50c coffee out of the hamilton vending machine! Sooo close to the library, so cheap and so caffeiney. It brings a tear to my eye

Sarsfield wrote:

They're opening a new store, thereby offering a new choice. ... The only way I'll have a problem with Starbucks is if they try to expand by taking over an existing chain. That results in a reduction of options which is bad. ... why not just continue to get your coffee from your favourite store? That's the best way to keep it in business

Do you study economics? I'm surprised you didn't say "competition" once in the above. Was that a conscious effort?

John

ApeXaviour wrote:

Back to your old witty ways I see John, good stuff.

What do you mean "back"?

Crash

I like starbucks coffee. and they do hazelnut steamers, which are ridiculuously hard to find in most places. so to everyone who might bitch to me about starbucks, i say "**** off, i'm happy."

RuggieBear

i liked the bar there....:(

eth0_

Ag marbh wrote:

Death should be brougth to all of these companies.

Why? Because they're part of globalisation? Get a f*cking life.

Starbucks actually make *nice* beverages, nice cakes and nice sandwiches. Which is more than I can say for the vast majority of coffee shops in Dublin.

I can't wait for it to open. Mmmm toffee hazelnut latte.

wheresthebeef

the west coast coffee in The School of Nursing and Midwifery aint that great. Plain tea and coffee are alright, cos its not easy to fook them up. But anything more complicated and its horrible. The food is overpriced. 1.95 for a choc chip cookie thing. 5.95 for a Pannini. 7.95 for coffee, soup and bread package deal. There is no VAT Reduction for students.
They make great trade from passing members of the public.
Staff are lovely, but quality and pricing are terrible.

xeduCat

Who gives VAT reductions for students? Last time I checked, VAT had nothing to do with the student status of the purchaser. Do explain?

snorlax

we get VAT reductions on all food for some reason. there's a different price for us and the staff

Unshelved

we get VAT reductions on all food for some reason. there's a different price for us and the staff

No there isn't. There's a different price for non-TCD people in the coffee shops, Buttery etc. - but that's a subsidy. Check out the prices in the Arts Block Coffee Shop during the summer - tourists/conference attendees pay a much higher price.

DrIndy

Unshelved wrote:

No there isn't. There's a different price for non-TCD people in the coffee shops, Buttery etc. - but that's a subsidy. Check out the prices in the Arts Block Coffee Shop during the summer - tourists/conference attendees pay a much higher price.

No, it is most CERTAINLY NOT a subsidy. college subsidises nothing but its own arsehole.

If it is an institution, then no VAT is charged on food to its members (or something to that effect) Hence hospitals and colleges do not charge VAT to their own employees/students.

They sometimes check ID cards because Revenue occasionally try to buy grub in these places to check if they are complying......

snorlax

hmm i just had a coffee there a few hours ago, helped me to do real well in presentation i had to give to my year this morning.

i might try and get a job in the one at fosters place, apparently they give free samples to their employees and they're will be a new promotional Christmas brand available soon enough .

i do find that their strong coffees burn out your stomach, especially Java. must try their Kenyan variety....

xeduCat

If that's the case, it's not because you're a student, though, it's because it's wholly within a non-VAT institution, and thus not a VATable transaction. In West Coast's case, it's a normal transaction, and regular tax applies. There is no student VAT exemption.

In terms of Starbucks, I vote Tazo Chai Latte.

cuckoo

Globalisation taking over the world? Meh, i'd be more concerned if starbucks had an exclusive franchise in TCD and had taken over Catering. Actually, i think it's interesting that Starbucks in Ireland seem to be creating new coffee hot spots, instead of buying out already existing coffee shops. (was this the situation at James's, or did they take over a spot?)

Sadly, their actually certified Fair Trade coffee seems to be limited to already brewed filter coffee - and (like snorlax), i find theirs a little harsh on my stomach. They have some other sort of ethical scheme for the rest of their coffee, 30% supplied at fair prices and the like, but i succomb to the lure of the label as much as the next consumer and like the 'Fair Trade' logo.

ETA: interesting conversation amongst some coffee fans, about Starbucks (or *$ as they call it) vs local coffee shops
http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/general/139151?LastView=1132072296&Page=1

snorlax

well we have to show our id card everytime we order something, otherwise we have to pay the staff price.
i don't think the old canteen had that system as everybody just paid the same price.

BrenC

I say bring on starbucks, maybe it'll push the other coffee shops into lowering their prices, fair competition

Beastieboy

One day to go, according to the sign on the door.

grumpytrousers

Pet wrote:

No, but Starbucks has such American prestige (*rolls eyes*) that all the OC-watching, Abercrombie-wearing, orange-faced, shallow, mindless, vacuous D4 twatwaffles will flock there like the sheep they are, so they can finally live out their pseudo-Californian fantasy of sipping half-fat low-carb orange-and-vanilla mochafrappucinos while listening to ****ty trendy "music" like James **** and talking about tomorrow's outfit.

*orders mini-nuke*

ergo

Pet wrote:

No, but Starbucks has such American prestige (*rolls eyes*) that all the OC-watching, Abercrombie-wearing, orange-faced, shallow, mindless, vacuous D4 twatwaffles will flock there like the sheep they are, so they can finally live out their pseudo-Californian fantasy of sipping half-fat low-carb orange-and-vanilla mochafrappucinos while listening to ****ty trendy "music" like James **** and talking about tomorrow's outfit.

love it, nice one Pet, that's the best post I've seen on boards in months

and I suppose if they all go to Starbucks then we won't have to listen to them while in Insomnia (buy out...?!? say it isn't so.)

Snorlax wrote:

but sure everywhere we're surrounded be chain stores, just walk down grafton street and try and count the number of irish owned stores left. it's all about globalization. what about when tescos arrived in ireland in place of quinnsworth, it never really stopped people shopping there even though tescos is british owned.

when Tesco took over I quit my Quinnsworth job

this was completely co-incidental but there you go.. :rolleyes:

I'll shop in Dunnes if I've a choice, where I'm living now I have a choice, when I lived in Phisboro there was only Tesco nearby and that was that

the rumours a few years back of Wal Mart taking over Dunnes, now that would be the end of the world as we know it

AARRRGH

Pet wrote:

No, but Starbucks has such American prestige (*rolls eyes*) that all the OC-watching, Abercrombie-wearing, orange-faced, shallow, mindless, vacuous D4 twatwaffles will flock there like the sheep they are, so they can finally live out their pseudo-Californian fantasy of sipping half-fat low-carb orange-and-vanilla mochafrappucinos while listening to ****ty trendy "music" like James **** and talking about tomorrow's outfit.

Ah! So the real problem is that you're jealous of people who come from a priviledged background.

Starbucks was a good cover story.

ApeXaviour

dublindude wrote:

Ah! So the real problem is that you're jealous of people who come from a priviledged background.

I think you'll find there is a difference between inverse snobbery and just being annoyed at yuppies

AARRRGH

ApeXaviour wrote:

I think you'll find there is a difference between inverse snobbery and just being annoyed at yuppies

Annoyed because he's jealous. They are of no threat to him.

I can mildly understand someone having a problem with "scumbags" because they might be dangerous, but "yuppies" mind their own business.

There are always posts like this whenever something regarding TCD is mentioned.

...

I'm going to go to Starbucks now and get a coffee. Will report back!

eth0_

i was in there after work, unfortunately it was full of your stereotypical Trinners BESS types, in their rugger shirts and O'Neill pants and scarves.

I would have thrown my hot coffee in their smug faces had it not been so delicious.

Pet

dublindude wrote:

Annoyed because he's jealous. They are of no threat to him.

I can mildly understand someone having a problem with "scumbags" because they might be dangerous, but "yuppies" mind their own business.

There are always posts like this whenever something regarding TCD is mentioned.

...

I'm going to go to Starbucks now and get a coffee. Will report back!

1) I'm a Trinity student myself, and have no problems with the majority of the student population, and I'm glad I decided to go to Trinity too.

2)Why would I be jealous? Because I actually have original, independant thoughts? Because I'm capable of going into college without worrying about how my outfit looks? Because I'm happy with who I am and don't aspire to be some idealised stereotype? I don't have any money problems, thanks, so it's everything to do with their attitude and nothing to do with their finances/"privileged background".

3)Do I need to say more? :

i was in there after work, unfortunately it was full of your stereotypical Trinners BESS types, in their rugger shirts and O'Neill pants and scarves.

Crash

I was in there at 9.30 the day they opened, cus its right beside my bus stop - and i wanted coffee. fast, efficient - friendly. they train their staff well, and their coffee is good, and the place is pleasant. so you know what, multinational wins - its given me everything i want in a coffee shop. so **** it.

Agent Smith

tbh, barnies has the " Question of the day". last week i got 3 free cups, and they still stamp my loyalty card!

snorlax

you can just use google if your stuck for finding the answer to any of those questions ...
Barnies is so much nicer then starbucks anyway.

how much is coffee there? its about 2.00 or so in Barnies, i don't know what west coast coffee is..

eth0_

Sorry but Barnies coffee is absolute muck! At least the stuff thhey sell on Westmoreland st is, it's horrible bitter watered down rubbish.

Try the toffee nut latte in Starbucks. Mmm.

Chardee MacDennis

queue has been too long in *$s everytime i have walked by, i loved it in the states last year so i hope its the same, Barnies is the most foul stuff i have ever had the misfortune of tasting...

snorlax

toffee nut latte? nah i prefer my coffee untouched, no sugar no nothing (etc milk), it's the only to know your getting the real deal.

to be honest i think cappaccinos should be banned considering the amount of bad ones around .........!

wheresthebeef

i think West Coast is 1.95 for normal coffee. If your a student you get 10% on Tea and Coffee (as opposed to the 13.5% VAT that should be removed from every price), so thats 1.95 minus 19.5 cents. Which is 1.76.
The price can go up to 2.95 or even 3.50 if you want anything complicated or fancy.

Cheapest place for food is the Staff Canteen at Tallaght Hospital. Obviously you need a staff card for Tallaght or wherever, so its for us Health Sciences Students only. I got Chicken Korma and Rice, a Glass of Orange Juice and a Muller Crunch Corner for 3.20. And it was lovely. I've had other things at similar prices, and its always been really nice. St. James Hospital is more expensive. same dinner in James cost me about 5.50, but still an alrite price for what i got.

snorlax

yeha i love the price of hospital food but i have to say the food in the secret restaurant in James is pretty vile most of the time. the food in Portlaoise was much better and it was only 20cent for coffee! and about a 1 50 for my dinner, and it was nice food!
i used to love their homemade scones in the morning ...

Pet

I've sampled a lot of different hospital foods in my time..I have to say, the Blackrock clinic beats them all hands down. The food there..it's like being in a posh restaurant. You even get wine with your meal (provided it doesn't interfere with your medication/you're not in surgery anytime soon).

John

Pet wrote:

The food there..it's like being in a posh restaurant.

Well it is a hotel with nurses after all.

Sarsfield

eth0_ wrote:

Try the toffee nut latte in Starbucks. Mmm.

That explains a lot. Starbucks can get away with selling awful coffee because it's customers insist on having it polluted with God-knows-what additives. So much so that you can't taste the coffee.

Give me a real coffee made with coffee beans and water any day.

What's the difference between a latte and a "white coffee" as we used to call them?

snorlax

i once travelled with cross - air to Frankfurt in Germany, for some reason i was in first class (we had free flights) and i was offered free champagne or freshly squeezed orange juice along with fancy chocolates...so much better then Ryanair!

wheresthebeef

secret restaurant in James gets a lot of the same food as tallaght. i recognise the exact same microwaveable curry in both place. just tallaght is much cheaper. i think both are lovely anyway, and so does the rest of my student nurse posse.

cuckoo

I walked past it for the first time today. It has brightened up what was a dull corner of Dame Street - and it was jammers packed full. Hope they're paying a big rent.

And, like it's been said upthread already, they do train their staff well. I went for food in 66 on Georges St (where Foko used to be opposite the Arcade) today. The food was good, but the service was pleasantly incompetent - the toast arrived 10 minutes after my fry and then kept arriving, for some reasons they gave me three servings. Bit chaotic. It took several attempts and a 15 minute wait to get the bill, then twice we were given other tables' receipts and change. grrr.

There's so few places that have good staff these days, i know i sound like a grumpy boots, but i've worked as a waitress - it. is. not. brainsurgery. My message to all owners of cafes/restaurants - spend less on your fancy pants decor and invest a bit more in your staff.

(honorable exception is Odessa on Dame Court)

Agent Smith

snorlax wrote:

you can just use google if your stuck for finding the answer to any of those questions ...
Barnies is so much nicer then starbucks anyway.

how much is coffee there? its about 2.00 or so in Barnies, i don't know what west coast coffee is..

how can i google the answer when i'm the Place...