Dublin is getting Starbucked...

Gran Hermano · 19-02-2014 08:36PM

NiallSparky wrote: »

I'm not so sure that's as much of a issue as with some other industries. It's not like Starbucks has been using their huge economies of scale to undercut independent coffee shops on price, quite the opposite in fact.

They also use their multinational status to do some serious financial wizardry and minimise tax exposure and payments (even more tax avoidance than any ICT MNC). Not exactly a level playing field for the smaller indigenous Irish coffee shops.

catallus · 19-02-2014 08:37PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBNOB7FkSSM

wolfpawnat · 19-02-2014 08:38PM

NiallSparky wrote: »

I'm not so sure that's as much of a issue as with some other industries. It's not like Starbucks has been using their huge economies of scale to undercut independent coffee shops on price, quite the opposite in fact.

No, Starbucks is very expensive, my favourite coffee is close to €4 for a small/tall whatever the feck it's called. But with regards Dublin City rents. No coffee shop seems to be able to last on O'Connell street for too long bar Kylemore. They probably cannot afford rates and rent (I would assume) and the like for the main street of Ireland, Starbucks can easily afford it, because it guarantees no competition.

Lux23 · 19-02-2014 08:46PM

I prefer Costa Coffee, however Irish people seem to be mental for a cup of Joe and a bun. There are eight coffee shops in my parents local shopping centre and they are always packed, can be impossible to get a seat.

Grayditch · 19-02-2014 08:50PM

Different Starbucks places make my coffee in different ways all the time, it never tastes the same, and sometime tastes horrible. I've just started going into Costa or Insomnia. Don't dislike it to be a hipster, it's just not as nice or consistent as it used to be. Prices are a bit much, too.

wolfpawnat · 19-02-2014 08:51PM

Everyone raves about costa, but I have to say, I personally fine their coffee terribly bitter. As Grayditch said, Starbucks differs too, but not to the same extent IMO.

pebbles21 · 19-02-2014 08:52PM

Starbucks employ a tactic of opening up a number of outlets in one area to take over the market, and when they do, they compete with each other till there is only one or two left

Linky http://www.starbucksunion.org/node/363

Grayditch · 19-02-2014 08:54PM

I usually used to get a White Mocha in Starbucks and I swear it could be like two different drinks when made by two different people, and it shouldn't really be like that. Might just be down to certain levels of that syrup they put in. Someone told me their strict ways of making every cup consistent has gone out the window the last 2 years.

Gran Hermano · 19-02-2014 09:00PM

For anyone interested in the alternatives
http://lovindublin.com/cafe/top-10-cups-coffee-dublin/

OneArt · 19-02-2014 09:12PM

I guess Starbucks is okay if you're into the fancy coffees like the Frappawhatchamacallit or what have you. I only like black coffee with a bit of sugar, and the plain stuff they serve there is horrible.

From what I remember of living in Dublin three years ago, there were tonnes of better coffee places. The Illy coffee was always my favourite. Their range of snacks is also pretty pricey: too expensive for a snack, but too small to have for lunch and be full.

The only good thing they have is their free WiFi which can come in handy sometimes (when they have plugs...).

Holsten · 19-02-2014 09:38PM

I love Starbucks and actually like their coffee.

Too bad it's pretty expensive and absolutely loaded with calories.

I count 14 in and around the city center.. meh, could be more.

Amirani · 19-02-2014 09:40PM

Holsten wrote: »

I love Starbucks and actually like their coffee.

Too bad it's pretty expensive and absolutely loaded with calories.

That's not the coffee.

Holsten · 19-02-2014 09:52PM

NiallSparky wrote: »

That's not the coffee.

Ah of course but I'm a sucker for the most calorific items they sell haha!

geckovision · 19-02-2014 09:54PM

irish_goat wrote: »

It's not about being a connoisseur, Starbucks coffee is just plain crap. Even McDonald's scores better in taste tests.

And you don't have to get out of your car to get it.

super_furry · 19-02-2014 09:54PM

Insomnia for me, even if their coffee is served too hot.

IvaBigWun · 19-02-2014 09:57PM

Starbucks were a fun novelty when visiting the States before they came to Dublin but after spending €7 on lacklustre hot chocolate and mediocre cheesecake there last week I wont darken its "we're so hipster we're not hipster" doors again in a hurry.

Its a shame there's only two Esquires Coffees in Dublin, they serve by far the best coffee in the city.

http://www.esquirescoffee.ie/

geckovision · 19-02-2014 09:57PM

A lot of cafés in Dublin don't seem to know the meaning (or they actually think it's supposed to be that way) of a sprinkle of chocolate. Bloody cappuccino's are smothered in it.

If I wanted a chocolate drink I'd have ordered one!

hfallada · 19-02-2014 09:59PM

Irish people dont like proper coffee. If you go to Italy or France a coffee is a shot of espresso. I work in a shop that serves espresso and a lot of irish customers ask where is half the coffee

Muahahaha · 19-02-2014 10:07PM

I'm remember reading before that Ireland and Italy are the only two countries where chains like Starbucks have failed to get a grip. The Irish and Italians are more predisposed to supporting independent coffee shops and given the wealth of choice we have I don't blame us.

There's far better coffee shops than Starbucks or Costa or Insomnia in Dublin. Check out Foam in Great Strand St near the Italian Quarter, it's totally unique and like stepping back into the 1970's. Or 3fe on Middle Abbey St which has superb coffee or even Accents coffee shop near the Hairy Lemon pub, they've a cool basement area where you can lounge about sofas and they're open till almost midnight.

People who go to Starbucks don't go to drink Starbucks coffee, they go to be seen to be drinking Starbucks coffee. Sad for them because there is far better choice in Dublin than the generic brands.

Barna77 · 19-02-2014 10:09PM

Not a big fan of Starbucks, maybe the Christmas specials though. Last time I was in any was last Christmas in Madrid to use their free wifi.

Insomnia is bloody rotten.

Red Kev · 19-02-2014 10:16PM

wolfpawnat wrote: »

It is great for employment in that particular sector, but for competition, they cannot compete. Starbucks can make a loss and not feel it in one shop, because they know they can ensure the market for that area.

SimonQuinlank wrote: »

More jobs I suppose.I get free McDonalds coffee voucher things off my cousin so I never darken Starbucks door anyway.

No, they don't create jobs, they simply take customers away from other (sometimes independent) shops.

There are loads of good, cheaper independently owned coffee shops in dublin, the place is full of them so it's not as if they have a monopoly on the place. I personally don't like their coffee that much, but I know people who adore it, different strokes etc.

If you're interested in stats, for every 500 jobs that shops like Tesco, Aldi etc create, they destroy 700 local jobs, in places such as smaller butchers, bakeries etc.

WilyCoyote · 19-02-2014 10:22PM

http://starbuckspricelist.com/

Are the Irish prices around the same as here?

Euro 1 = $1.37

KungPao · 19-02-2014 10:24PM

The likes of Starbucks and (to a slightly lesser extent) Insomnia do have an air of selling a "lifestyle" or "culture" rather than focussing on good coffee. As I heard before "They sell coffee to people that don't really like coffee".

In my opinion you're better off making it yourself at home anyway. Buy some Lavazza or something and a perculator/filter...make it strong and add a little warm milk.

Delicious.

Ah sure you can't beat a good cup of tea anyway, but tea isn't cool these days.

whirlpool · 19-02-2014 10:26PM

Okay, but isn't this thread about 5 years late?

geckovision · 19-02-2014 10:26PM

Muahahaha wrote: »

People who go to Starbucks don't go to drink Starbucks coffee, they go to be seen to be drinking Starbucks coffee. Sad for them because there is far better choice in Dublin than the generic brands.

I highly doubt anyone does it for that reason (unless they've a new MacBook).

Out of convenience if anything.

YellowFeather · 19-02-2014 10:26PM

Starbucks. Starbucks everywhere! I keep getting caught out by a bar near my home that has a sign outside which is practically identical to the Starbucks sign.

I never knew that a latte existed before Starbucks and I'll always be grateful, but there is way better coffee out there. It's the fast food of coffee. (Although, McDonald's does a mean latte and way cheaper!)

keith16 · 19-02-2014 10:27PM

Starbucks was handy for free wi-fi when I was rambling the streets of NY.

I didn't go in mind. Just stood outside leeching their internet.

super_furry · 19-02-2014 10:29PM

whirlpool wrote: »

Okay, but isn't this thread about 5 years late?

No, no. It's 5 years latte.

maryishere · 19-02-2014 10:29PM

jetsonx wrote: »

Holy cow...Since Christmas Starbucks seem to be mushrooming everywhere in Dublin City Centre.

It just like a scene from the Simpsons where Starbucks takes over every street corner in Springfield.

I noticed the same thing when I came back from Oz. Dublin has changed. Maybe things are taking off again?

Anyway, there is far better choice in Dublin than the imported franchise chains.

Patrickheg · 19-02-2014 10:30PM

whirlpool wrote: »

Okay, but isn't this thread about 5 years late?

Not really seeing as there are 40% more Starbucks in dublin than 5 years ago.

The one I can't understand is the two stores opposite each other on Westmorland street, other than the peak time rush they dont seem busy enough to justify.

Dublin is getting Starbucked...

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