Noooo!!!!!
October 2nd, 2007
UPDATE: A note – I do not wish to insult or offend any company’s employees – I know a few people (one of them a close relative) who work for Starbucks who are wonderful people and very hard workers. This isn’t about that.
My “smiling drone” remark was meant to be a cultural thing that I will elaborate on in another entry. It is in no way directed towards any individuals who work for Starbucks.
Sorry if I offended anyone - I hope it’s a little more clear now. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Â
Say it ain’t so!
I don’t even know what to say. What on earth makes Starbucks think that the Italians are going to buy into the concept of burnt beans and overpriced paper cups of coffee made by smiling drones?  What makes Starbucks think they can just come on in and take over, while the owners of the traditional bars work hard to keep daily business going so that they can feed their families and pay their employees, while still maintaining a standard of quality and authenticity? And knowing the average Italian salary, I’d like to know just who in Italy is going to want to pay 5 euros for a caffe latte.
PLEASE let this just be a bad dream.Â
Maybe it sounds harsh, but I kind of hope they fail in Italy. I don’t care if they are from Seattle.
In the meantime, one good thing we can do is SUPPORT ITALY’S SLOW CITIES.
Entry Filed under: What?!, la cultura
12 Comments Add your own
1. Janine Swinscoe | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:34 am
I couldn’t agree more!
As a English woman passionate about Italy & its culture, it horrifies me to think that an organisation like ‘Starbucks’ is trying to ‘muscle in’
2. sognatrice | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:38 pm
I mentioned this at my place a few days ago…crazy!!!!
what’s happening in italy?
3. Maria Ferrari | October 3rd, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Yeah, Starbuck’s in Italy does sound crazy. But in the States it’s fine. By the way, your uncle in a “smiling drone” and quite good at it. It pays the bills…..
Zia Maria
4. miss tango | October 3rd, 2007 at 1:27 pm
They are apparently invading Buenos Aires in the very near future tambien!
5. Tina | October 3rd, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Oh don’t worry Zia – I agree that in the States it most certainly is fine
I just hope Italy stays…well, Italian – know what I mean?
6. Debbe Myers | October 3rd, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Starbucks may or not fail in Italy. These locations may either be owned by the Starbucks or perhaps some Italian may have bought a Starbucks francise. Since the 1950’s Italy’s economy has improved due to American tourism and companies.
In any event, we are living in a global economy at present, so it is hard to keep our homelands “as is” like the “old days”—-So Starbucks may find a niche in Italy or may not. But please, do not dissed their employees!!
7. Tina | October 3rd, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Hi Aunt Debbe!!
I like that you have an objective view – you have made some good points that are well worth considering. I’m editing the post with an extra note…
8. Katie | October 3rd, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I AGREE…Hunny, I soooo AGREE. Do not Americanized a place that has it’s own lifestyle. Even if it is an 11am coffee break. I still want to go back where there is just a tiny cup of espresso…I DO NOT WANT STARBUCKS TAKING THAT AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!!! HELLS NO!!
9. miss tango | October 3rd, 2007 at 6:06 pm
I can´t imagine Italians or Argentines walking around with paper cups in hand. Athough it will be nice to have an iced americano and purchase some pretty cups, and possibly eat the tangerine chocolate donout or mini bundt cake whatever it is called….but that´s it! nada mas!
10. Tina | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:53 pm
You know Miss Tango, that is one good thing – we’ll be able to ask for ICE in our coffee without getting a strange look!
11. Cafe Culture Across The C&hellip | October 4th, 2007 at 2:32 am
[...] As you probably know, I was asked to write occasionally for Dr. Will Clower’s website about my international food experience. All the attention my post about Starbucks has received, has just now made me remember something I wrote about my own take on the cafe culture in different parts of the world. I thought I’d put a link to it here, just for fun. I hope you enjoy it! [...]
12. Michael | October 7th, 2007 at 1:26 am
Tina,
I never got any strange looks ordering a “caffè shakerato” in Italy, and it’s probably better than any American iced coffee I’ve ever had. The fact that they shake it in cocktail shaker with ice makes a huge difference. Once you move back to Italy
, ask for one “corretto” with Bailey’s – possibly the best caffeinated, alcoholic, creamy beverage you’ll ever drink, for €2.50 ::yum::.
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