Why I gave up Starbucks

By Michelle Malkin  •  May 5, 2008 03:56 PM

I got hooked on Starbucks in Seattle more than a decade ago. It was the social thing to do. It became an occupational necessity, then an unbreakable habit. I put up with the “corporate social responsibility” mumbo-jumbo, which the company leavened with an occasional bone to conservatives. As I’ve confessed to you before, I’m not a morning person–and those caramel macchiatos have powered me through many an a.m. The taste and the buzz outweighed the conservative guilt.

Over the past weeks, however, Starbucks has left an increasingly bad taste.

David Boaz wrote of the company’s ridiculous policy barring gift card purchasers from customizing personalized cards with the phrase “Laissez Faire.”

Then there’s the price. A grande caramel macchiato puts you out $5. Two or three of those a week adds up. And in these times, every penny counts.

Lots of other consumers are coming to the same conclusion. Starbucks’ profits are down 28 percent.

So this weekend, I quit cold turkey.

I’m done.

I’ve always liked Dunkin’ Donuts coffee better, anyway. And as unapologetic supporters of immigration enforcement, they deserve your business and mine so much more.

Dunkin’: Tastes good, cheaper, and good for national security. Drink up!

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Posted in: Dunkin Donuts

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Comments


  1. #1
    On May 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm, mymanpotsandpans said:

    Bring back Chock Full o’ Nuts!

  2. #2
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:00 pm, ajmontana said:

    sniff, no dunkin within 40 miles of me, but, starbucks did give me a freebie today. :) i have no choice, well no choice thats any good.

  3. #3
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:01 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    And that guy who started Starbucks sold the Sonics to an OKC guy who wants to move them to Oklahoma! Reason enough to switch. OK, your reasons are probably better.

  4. #4
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:01 pm, StephC said:

    I hate coffee. I’d go to Starbucks and get a chai tea. But at $4.01 for a venti, I don’t go there anymore. Now, I buy my chai at Costco and save tons of money. Plus, it tastes better.

  5. #5
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:02 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    I still drink Community Coffee…. my momma was from Louisiana, you always drank what momma drank! Dad could find it easily in Philly at the A&P

  6. #6
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:02 pm, PurpleHaze said:

    I wish I could quit coffee altogether.

  7. #7
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:03 pm, Artbyruth said:

    And their donuts are FANTASTIC still after all these years…

    They support the troops, so they have my support.

  8. #8
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:05 pm, taylork said:

    Or you could order yourself some bocajava and support the troops at the same time!

  9. #9
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:05 pm, RaisedRight said:

    Well, I don’t drink coffee, but in Chicagoland, Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream are together and BR makes the best ice cream cakes! I am glad to see that they are worth supporting.

  10. #10
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:06 pm, englishqueen01 said:

    Man…Now I want a donut.

    Never understood why one would pay $5 for a cup of coffee, anyway, when you can do the same thing at home with some flavored creamer…

  11. #11
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:06 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    If only Dunkin’ Donuts made milkshakes.

  12. #12
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:06 pm, taylork said:

    Bring back Chock Full o’ Nuts!

    It’ still round here and Philly, and it’s still terrible tasting. Although interesting fact about Chock Full o’ Nuts is that it was the first company to use a jingle in a commercial.

  13. #13
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:07 pm, cpodug said:

    There isn’t one in my area, but I do have a Krispy Kreme close, and their coffee is pretty good, too.

  14. #14
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:07 pm, DanVanSmak said:

    Given how things are expensive these days, I’ve even cut out Dunkin Ds (not just the coffee, but the food as well). I also did this because my doctor told me that less of me would be a good thing (and he’s right, of course, I feel better much lighter). Anyhow, since saving money depends on finding substitutes, you’d be surprised how far a jar of instant coffee goes at the office. If you can’t drink that, buy a thermos and brew up your office coffee at home and tank up before you shove off. Also, teabags are great to keep on hand. I *think* it gives you a bigger caffeine bang, and besides, iced tea was cool way before iced coffee was invented. I’d come in with some Long Island iced tea takes here, but I’m … *out*

  15. #15
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:07 pm, libocrat said:

    That reminds me of a joke!!!
    Remember the old Folgers commercials with Mrs.Olson?
    JOKE: What does Mr Olson do when he comes home from work???

    answer; MOUNTAIN GROWN

  16. #16
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:08 pm, kman said:

    I just keep it simple at Starbucks – “Give me a large coffee.” I don’t buy into the whole tall/grande/venti mumbo jumbo. They have a small cup, they have a medium cup, and they have a large cup. I like the large cup full of their strong coffee and this only sets me back just under $2. Add enough splenda and cream and it tastes like you’re drinking one of those fancy $5 concoctions.

  17. #17
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:10 pm, Boomer said:

    Wish we had a choice in our neck of the woods. We are so small we don’t even rate a Starbucks in this little burg all we rate is a Moxie Java. We do have 3 locations on base to get the foo foo coffees from Moxie. If you want doughnuts you go to Wal-Mart, Albertsons, or Paul’s Market (the down side at Paul’s is they cater to illegal invaders so we don’t go there). We will be departing on our Spring vacation next week and I will make it a point to support Dunkin Donuts where ever I find one.

  18. #18
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:10 pm, The Ugly American said:

    Alas…we have no Dunkin’ Donuts here in Los Angeles.

    However, we do have Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf…which is actually cheaper and tastes better than Starbucks.

    Not to mention they send regular coffee donations to Soldier’s Angels.

  19. #19
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm, FloridaBill said:

    I find it hard to believe you are not a morning person Michelle. Two little ones tend to make you one, especcially if they are in school.

  20. #20
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm, undrseige247 said:

    I’m more conventional, I take my coffee straight black, I brew it at home in the morning and bring a thermos to work. When I go to Star Bucks once in a while I look at it as a treat not gospel.

  21. #21
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:13 pm, see-dubya said:

    UA–Peet’s is good too, if you’re in California. They seem relatively apolitical despite starting out bear Berkeley.

  22. #22
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    The pretentiousness of Starbucks is what makes me avoid them.

    That and the fact that I haven’t really had much coffee since the last time I was out to sea.

  23. #23
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm, abstractmind said:

    I dont know what this makes me, but…i’m more of a Gevalia person. Got hooked when they had a promotion going with a solid price, and i’ve been with them ever since. French Roast, Dark Roast, and the occassional box of Earl Grey tea.

    But in the morning, ANY coffee will do!

  24. #24
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:16 pm, Craig said:

    Alas…we have no Dunkin’ Donuts here in Los Angeles.

    Not too far Mr.A

    310-534-9610
    22510 Crenshaw Blvd
    Torrance,CA

  25. #25
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:16 pm, DocattheAutopsy said:

    I never was a coffee drinker. Loved the smell, but not the taste. Can’t protect my PBF from hippie free-lovin’ chemicals if I drank coffee.

    But when I lived in Az, I would bike to school past a Dunkin Donut and stop in for a large Coke and a chocolate croissant. Man, that was heaven.

  26. #26
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:16 pm, Regulus said:

    I never could get into Starbucks:

    1. The price is outrageous. It never made sense to see my cup filling on one side while having to practically open a vein on the other side. And they have the nerve to put a tip-jar on the counter. Yeah, right.

    2. I never could get into the pretentious terminology:

    - “I want a ‘large.’”
    - “Oh, you mean a ‘Grande.’”
    - “No, a LARGE.”
    - “Yeah, a ‘Grande.’”
    - “Just give me the biggest one ya got, OK?!?”

    3. Every time I see a Starbucks, I can’t help but to remember the original “Battlestar Galactica” TV series, in which the main character by the same name, when confronted by a bunch of Cylons, whips out … a blow-dryer.

    As to the properties of coffee itself, as a minimum pot-a-day drinker (usually two), coffee lost its effectiveness as a stimulant a long time ago. I can drink a full pot right before going to bed.

    But its diuretic qualities remain undiminished…

  27. #27
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:17 pm, Larraby said:

    I was at a labor arbitration hearing last week and the union guys all came to the hearing clutching Starbucks lattes and caramel something or other and the management guys were all clutching Shell Gas station coffee cups. How the times have changed. I sure know one thing: Neither Obama ever bought a cup of Shell Gas Station coffee.

  28. #28
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:17 pm, taylork said:

    A note on the bocajava….beware the maple bacon flavored coffee at all cost!!! It may be the wrost coffee I’ve ever had.

  29. #29
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, Rusty said:

    Growing up in Massachusetts, having a one hour commute to my high school, and having extracirrucular activities until up to 10pm, I was a Dunkin addict. I had at least three large french vanilla regulars a day.

    But I switched to Starbucks in DC (although I prefer Au Bon Pain if I can get it).

    It’s a matter of quality. D+D stopped brewing flavored beans. Instead, they add syrup to flavor the coffee. This is unacceptable. And undrinkable.

  30. #30
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, GaMidnightRider said:

    My youngest daughter is hooked on Starbucks. She cann’t make it pass one without stoppping in. I like Dunkin Doughnuts. Nothing like a good cup of hard core caffine and a sugar buzz to get your day going.

  31. #31
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, libocrat said:

    I started drinking coffee less than a year ago, in my forties. I have not, nor will I step foot in a Starbucks. I’m quite sure that Jesus Obama is a Starbucks man. I’d bet on it. Jihad Jim McDermott is definately a Starbuckser. It’s friggin coffee for Gods sake, it isn’t some manufactured concoction with a patent. I like my coffee much like I love our military.
    STRONG.
    Oh, BTW, do liberals all drink their coffee….ERRRR…….black.

  32. #32
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, Republican (By Default) said:

    I quit ‘Starbucks’ years ago. Their coffee went bad years ago when they started over-roasting their beans (using high temperature) to shorten the roasting time. I got mine from local roasters that slow-roasted. Much better flavor.

    Then when Howard Schultz became the Chairman of the Board of a dot com where I was working, I decided I didn’t like Starbucks as a company either.

    I used to decaffeinate for one month about every 6 months or so. Over a year ago I did my month, then it stretched into two, three, until a year went by.

    I got a little caffeine from occasional hot chocolates, but didn’t miss the coffee or the caffeine if I didn’t get any at all. Feels much better.

    A little tip. If you quit caffeine cold turkey, plan on getting small doses every other day for the first week. It usually prevents the headaches.

    Caffeine seems to stay in your system for about two weeks, so the benefits of decaffeinating don’t start until then.

    Now when I happen to have an espresso drink or two it affects my sleep, my ability to relax and my ability to concentrate.

    So, as a former espresso junkie (grande raspberry mocha daily), I can say I’m better off without it.

  33. #33
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, bloghooligan said:

    it was never starbucks that drove me away…it was always its clientele.

    old stupid hippies, young stupid yuppies, and airhead teeny boppers. no thanks.

  34. #34
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, The Ugly American said:

    UA–Peet’s is good too, if you’re in California. They seem relatively apolitical despite starting out bear Berkeley.

    Oh man…I was a TOTAL Peet’s junkie when I lived in up in Oakland. Their Sumatra is like rocket fuel.

    Actually, they have a retail store here in Studio City, but it’s on Ventura Blvd. and the parking lot is a major pain to get in/out of.

    Plus, I like Coffee Bean’s pastries better and their staff is always friendly and very fast.

  35. #35
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:19 pm, natewillsheets said:

    Starbucks is also a long-time supporter of Planned Parenthood.

  36. #36
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:19 pm, mom2jack said:

    Starbucks, why can’t I quit you?

    I save by just getting their good, strong coffee once in awhile. Here in weird Portland there are actually smaller coffee chains that out-snob Starbucks’ snobbery, if you can believe it.

  37. #37
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:19 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    How about some of Justice Alito’s blend?

  38. #38
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:20 pm, UnknownSailor said:

    Just don’t drink it out of a styrofoam cup. The styrofoam leeches into the coffee. Bring your own container, like a thermos bottle, and transfer the coffee over, if it is given to you in a styrofoam cup.

  39. #39
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:22 pm, SHoward said:

    For my fellow left coasters, they sell Dunkin Donuts coffee now in Ralph’s.

    Craig, Thanks for the heads up, next time I’m in Torrence I’ll look ‘em up….

  40. #40
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:23 pm, taylork said:

    Here in weird Portland there are actually smaller coffee chains that out-snob Starbucks’ snobbery, if you can believe it.

    The ones that bill themselves as “fair trade” are the worst.

  41. #41
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:23 pm, tre said:

    #3 AlohaGuy

    I LIKE the fact that the Sonics are coming here, to Oklahoma City. But, I’ve never even seen the inside of a Starbucks. I could never see the sense in spending $5 for a cup of coffee. I just brew my own when I wake up.

  42. #42
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:24 pm, The Ugly American said:

    Not too far Mr.A

    310-534-9610
    22510 Crenshaw Blvd
    Torrance,CA

    Hmmm…I was unaware of that one.

    Though, being a valley-dweller, it might as well be on the other side of the moon for me.

    Thanks for the tip though….much appreciated.

  43. #43
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:25 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    carig and Ugly American
    In Torrance these guys are pretty good
    19150 Hawthorne Blvd
    Torrance, CA 90503

  44. #44
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:26 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    carig = craig (not enough coffee yet!)

  45. #45
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:29 pm, acleaver said:

    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm, FloridaBill said:

    I find it hard to believe you are not a morning person Michelle. Two little ones tend to make you one, especcially if they are in school.

    I have 4 that are in school, and I’m still not much of a morning person either. My kids are pretty good about eating their own breakfast, and I get up to make sure lunches are all together (making them for the 2 youngest), and usually, they are on time for school. Usually. :)

    I live on my own brewed Member’s Mark Fair Trade French Roast beans with some froo-froo flavored creamer and a touch of sugar. Yum, and it only costs me about $13.00 every 6 weeks. :)

  46. #46
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:29 pm, JHSII said:

    I’ve never been in a Starbucks, so I don’t know what all the fuss is about. For my coffee, I have a coffee maker right in my kitchen – make my own all the time. Heck, I can even choose what kind of coffee to make, how strong to make it, and how much coffee to make.

  47. #47
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:30 pm, BrianNY said:

    I’ve been making my own for a year now, but I always preferred DD over Starbucks’s tree bark.

    $5.00 for a cup of coffee??

  48. #48
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:30 pm, alaskangrizzly said:

    I’m eagerly awaiting the two closest ones to me to reopen, they’ve been closed for what seems like 2 months for reconstruction. Could have rebuilt the entire building at the speed they’re going right now. /sigh

  49. #49
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:31 pm, The Ugly American said:

    AlohaGuy: You’d think with LA’s car-culture, there’d be more coffee drive-thru’s in the city.

    It’s a real pain to find parking at some of these coffee places during peak morning hours.

  50. #50
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:31 pm, Craig said:

    I still find it odd that there are more Krispy Kremes in LA now than Dunkin Donuts. What’s up with that!

  51. #51
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:34 pm, starlightwoman said:

    It’s nice to see a company with real social responsibility!

  52. #52
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:36 pm, vickisoup said:

    One more reason to eschew Starbucks, and my list is quite long already. I’m no “PC Princess”, though I am a believer in the power of the private, individual protest.
    Mostly, I think Starbucks coffee tastes burnt. I can burn my own coffee at home for far less money.
    ;-)

  53. #53
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:39 pm, Hangfire said:

    Here in the People’s Republic of Hawaii there is a Starbucks on every corner it seems.

    I went inside once to try the coffee, but was unable to obtain a co-signer.

  54. #54
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:42 pm, mbruce said:

    I went in a SB a few weeks ago, upon seeing the stack of NYT papers up front I just turned and left, not going to support the enemy one bit anymore.

  55. #55
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:43 pm, raybury said:

    Michelle, please don’t “in these times” us! While I imagine it costs a few more dollars to fill up as you chauffeur your kids around the ‘burbs, I suspect a car and driver comes for you when you need to get to a TV studio. Are your ad clicks down here or at HA? Is your column income down in line with declining newspaper sales? I suspect not; nor am I being Obama. I mean not am I being bitter. In fact I’m not doing so bad myself, and neither are my two cubicle neighbors, both of whom are doing their part on the buying side of the bump in home sales Prince William County, VA is seeing. Leave it to the liberal MSM to talk the economy (up last quarter, only a small amount, but up, not the negative growth that defines a recession) into Great Depression II: Bushdunit. I feel for everyone who loses a job or faces really debilitating costs, but most of us needn’t make a rainy day out of a few clouds.

  56. #56
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:45 pm, The Ugly American said:

    I still find it odd that there are more Krispy Kremes in LA now than Dunkin Donuts.

    Yeah…but even some of the Krispy Kremes have closed down over recent years.

    We used to have three here in the SF Valley where as now there is only the one in Burbank.

    Now, most Angelenos just pick up ‘em up at the grocery store.

  57. #57
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:46 pm, babbledabble said:

    I’m glad I drink tea. A cup in the morning at 10 cents a teabag & that’s for the better stuff, not primo organic etc etc, but good drinkable tea.

  58. #58
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:46 pm, gustafson said:

    I like Starbucks frappuccino but I agree with Michelle: it is costly habit and Dunkin’ Donut’s policies sound better. However, do they have Frappuccino or something similar?

  59. #59
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:49 pm, englishqueen01 said:

    Two little ones tend to make you one, especcially if they are in school.

    No, not really. I still am not used to getting up early with my son. Thankfully, my son seems to have inherited my love of sleep and often sleeps later than I do!

    The ones that bill themselves as “fair trade” are the worst.

    Actually, Alterra Coffee here in Milwaukee is good. A little liberal, yeah. But not as bad a Starbucks. At least Alterra doesn’t put stupid quotes on its cups (or at least they didn’t when I went last).

    I don’t have a problem with the concept of fair trade or local business. If you get a product from someone, you should pay for it fairly. It’s not right to get coffee on the cheap from some farmer in a developing nation and then sell it for 10x the cost.

    And if a local business provides a product similar (or better) to that of a national chain, supporting the local economy.

    Yeah – I know. There I go soundling like a liberal again. ;)

    Actually, if I must be classified, I tend to fit into the “Crunchy Conservative” pigeonhole…

  60. #60
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:54 pm, rowsdower said:

    I never understood the alleged appeal of Starbucks. Drinking their burnt swill is like swallowing road tar.It takes about a half tanker truck of cream to make it drinkable.I’m kind of partial to Burger King’s BK Joe.It has a slight caramel-like flavor and ,of course, is reasonably priced.

  61. #61
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:55 pm, rightisright said:

    I started buying D&D at the store for home use after i read where they support our country and our military…something libs wouldn’t understand…loyalty and dedication.

  62. #62
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:56 pm, BrianNY said:

    #53 said:

    I went inside once to try the coffee, but was unable to obtain a co-signer.

    Now, that’s funny.

    Isn’t McDonalds supposed to be the next specialty coffee king? I thought they were going to start aggressively going after this market?

  63. #63
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:57 pm, BrianNY said:

    #60 said:

    I never understood the alleged appeal of Starbucks. Drinking their burnt swill is like swallowing road tar.It takes about a half tanker truck of cream to make it drinkable.

    Amen.

  64. #64
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:58 pm, graysonret said:

    Starbucks and Dunkin see very little of me; usually when I’m on vacation and touring. I make coffee in the evening and set the timer. When I get up the coffee is just ready (usually “lite” or “hazelnut”). On the way to work, I have a travel cup. Sorry, those companies and their prices just don’t do anything for me. I’m a straight black coffee drinker anyway. That I learned years ago, out in the woods.

  65. #65
    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:59 pm, Klaatu said:

    Starbucks got me hooked on strong, dark coffee. But I have no allegiance to them. In fact everything from the price to the snobbery drives me away.

    I’m afraid I’ve turned into a coffee snob at home. I like only dark roasts. I use the best coffee brewer you can find: the Bodum Santos Vacuum coffee maker. OMG! They don’t make the electric anymore??? Oh well, you can still get the stovetop one.

    Couple that with a Kitchen Aid burr grinder and its beans to cup in 10 minutes. Fresh grinding is a key to good taste. So far, I haven’t seen Dunkin’ beans. Maybe I go to the wrong shops.

  66. #66
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:01 pm, libocrat said:

    If I can buy coffee from a farmer in a developing nation and charge 1 trillion times more than I paid for it, so be it.

    Socialism, like liberalism is a disease.
    Capitalism is the cure.

  67. #67
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:03 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Salamat po, Michelle! You have just put the final nail in the coffin on my one stock that used to be the leader in my portfolio.

    Don’t get me wrong. Your points are spot-on but their stock just kept going through the roof. And I kept holding it, even after I concluded the same thing. Selling a cup of hot milk for $5.00 was, in the long run, not a viable business model.

    But, rather than selling when I reached that epiphany, I held on to my stock thinking others would continue to be gullible. Now, Michelle has exposed the emperor and I am stuck with a stock that may never get back to my purchase price.

    Mahal kita, Michelle, but you are bad news for my investments!

  68. #68
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:06 pm, bironetworks said:

    finally… something i can get behind.

    donuts and coffee. if only all political movements required this little effort and personal sacrifice.

  69. #69
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:07 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Here in the People’s Republic of Hawaii there is a Starbucks on every corner it seems.

    I went inside once to try the coffee, but was unable to obtain a co-signer.

    Don’t worry Hangfire. Problems in the sub-prime coffee market are to blame, but I believe Hillary has a plan to make a cappucino available to everyone. Obama has known for 20 years that their coffee is undrinkable, but he could no more throw a Starbucks under the bus than he could his grandmother, Rev. Wright or a $100 ham. McCain only drinks Café con crema para la Raza.

  70. #70
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm, Mookie said:

    Here in MA, there’s a Dunks on every corner. In the five mile radius around my house, there are 56 Dunkin’ Donuts. Their coffee is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

  71. #71
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm, gollumclone said:

    Consumers Report agrees that Starbucks is bitter. They say Burger King’s is like dish water and Mickey D’s is great. I find Dunkin’ best to my taste and eschew the tasty donuts for my own home baked carrot cakes and shoo fly pies. Krispy King and Costco baked goods have way too much sugar for my taste.
    Around here in Palm Beach, DD and Baskin Robbins are often combined.

    Read somewhere that if for some reason we had an OPEC-like stoppage of coffee availability, Americans would be quickly quite constipated.

    Then there’s brew your own. I’m using Melitta in a French Press. Thought Gevalia rotted.

  72. #72
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:13 pm, J S Ragman said:

    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:58 pm, graysonret said:

    I’m a straight black coffee drinker anyway. That I learned years ago, out in the woods.

    For a minute there, I thought you were going to say, “on the bridge of a destroyer, standing the midwatch.”

    Just getting the coffee in the cup is a bonus. Forget adding all of the extra “geedunk” to it.

    My fellow surface guys will understand.

  73. #73
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:15 pm, Mookie said:

    On May 5th, 2008 at 4:46 pm, gustafson said:

    I like Starbucks frappuccino but I agree with Michelle: it is costly habit and Dunkin’ Donut’s policies sound better. However, do they have Frappuccino or something similar?

    Dunks has the Coffee Coolatta. Really, really, good.

    If someone really wants to try the coffee and can’t find it in their area, let me know.

  74. #74
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:15 pm, BayStateRepublican said:

    Klaatu – the glass Bodum not only makes great coffee, but the stovetop is fun for the kids to watch as the liquid goes from chamber to chamber.

    I never buy coffee unless I’m on the road for business and don’t have to pay out of my own pocket. It doesn’t matter how much money you make. $5 is preposterous and Starbucks is over-roasted and over-rated.

  75. #75
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:16 pm, dreid said:

    Starbucks tastes burnt because like all junkies, coffee drinkers need to constantly “up the dose”. If you drink 5-10 cups of coffee per day you need very strong tasting jetfuel coffee. Starbucks caters to the coffee junky’s need for a proper fix.

  76. #76
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:21 pm, Jadotch said:

    I gave up Starbucks about a month ago, although I cheated here recently in a pinch. It saves me a good chunk of change through out the month

    I also cut back on gas expenses from $20′s a week to $10.

    My reasoning is purely an economical one.

    All this to save for a down payment on a gas guzzling vehicle.

  77. #77
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:23 pm, ShoreMark said:

    …the management guys were all clutching Shell Gas station coffee cups.

    I still have an Exxon insulated mug from the 80s in the trunk of my car (not the same car!). I think it cost .99 back then and entitled you to cheap refills forever. I guess the management guys were funding their IRAs with the savings, they don’t have a union pension…

    I make it at home now, usually Folgers, but I sure wish CFoN would do a run with cans that include the little measuring cup — I’m down to my last one!

    I recall too, my first introduction to Starbucks, the Sheraton I was staying at had a little bag of it next to the in-room coffee maker. Terrible stuff, I headed down to the restaurant to get real coffee and met one of my associates on the way, same reason. Turns out that’s all they had there too, so we got in the car and went to find a Dunkin Donuts :-)

  78. #78
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:23 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Starbucks tastes burnt because like all junkies, coffee drinkers need to constantly “up the dose”.

    Actually, the longer you roast it, the lower the dose. :) But no question theirs tastes burned.

  79. #79
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:25 pm, LuckyLeppy said:

    Yesss! I’ll never forget my first trip to New England. Bleary eyed – getting off a 0500 flight from Dulles to Green Field. The first thing I see coming out of the gate was a Dunkin’ Doughnuts. And the beautiful ‘barista’ asked me how I wanted my coffee (black, sweet, or blond – c’mon c’mon make up yer mind) love at first sip.

  80. #80
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:27 pm, karenhasfreedom said:

    There is also a dunkin donuts on Western just north of the 405 Freeway exit at the shopping center on the corner of 182 and Western in Gardena, just north of Torrance.

    There is a dirty little secret. For about a buck and a quarter, you can get a cappacino (spelling?) at those do it yourself machines at every quick stop gas and go kind of place in the country. I was a road warrier and for years got great coffee at all the truck stops at the do it yourself machines.

  81. #81
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:28 pm, gippergirl said:

    What Howard Schultze should do is a send a SBUX card w/ “Laissez Faire” emblazened on it to Glen Beck, O’Reilley, Michelle, El Rushbo and the lot…

  82. #82
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:29 pm, rambler said:

    Sorry, I’m still going to Starbucks. It’s the only place when I can go and not be assaulted by spanish. There are no signs in spanish and no spanish speaking employees to mess up my order.

  83. #83
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm, graysonret said:

    JSRagman, sorry, not a navy guy, but I understand the “standing the midwatch”. There has been many days when coffee kept one going…sometimes for 30+ hours. Sometimes, it came so strong, we used to say that “you could float a battleship on it”. :)

  84. #84
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:32 pm, MrOlympia said:

    I must admit I really like the $tarbucks coffee, somewhat addicted to it. I drink my coffee black and buy their beans, grind it, and make it at home.

    The only time I buy coffee at Starbucks is when I am out of town on expenses hehe. If I go through the drive through and buy my beans there they comp a coffee drink!

    However, on general principles I guess I should not buy anything from them. Ok, I am going back to buying beans from a local coffeehouse just because of MM’s post!

  85. #85
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:35 pm, TheOtherSide said:

    and good for national security

    Enough with this lazy Mexico border enforcement – national security argument. I mean, if national security is at stake, how come we never hear anything about a border fence with Canada?

  86. #86
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:37 pm, Rusty said:

    Dunks has the Coffee Coolatta. Really, really, good.

    I loved the Coolatta. Then I realized it had more Calories than the donuts.

  87. #87
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:40 pm, SHoward said:

    Well, TOS, Canadians aren’t running across the border illegally in droves.

  88. #88
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:41 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:13 pm, J S Ragman said:
    My fellow surface guys will understand.

    Amen. Coffee (really bad coffee) is what makes Navy ships run. Well, cigarettes, too. An added benefit of coffee is that a fresh pot effectively masks some of the various shipboard odors for a little while, especially during the mid-watch.

    Our coffee makers were wired for uninterrupted operation during GQ or BECCE’s, too.

  89. #89
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:43 pm, WestCoastCoconut said:

    Too Bad DD is no where near where I live in Murrieta/Temecula CA. I would love to try it. We have a Starbucks on every corner and don’t care to drink their overpriced joe.

    If I could get a drive-thru Dunkin Donuts franchise I bet it would give Starbucks a run for it money. What do you think?

  90. #90
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:45 pm, tpero said:

    A friend of mine knew someone who worked for a coffee bean distributor that distributed coffee for both Dunkin and Starbucks, and according to him, Dunkin Donuts buys higher quality beans. For starbucks, it’s all about image; you can get much better coffee elsewhere.

  91. #91
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:49 pm, fourstringfuror said:

    black, sweet, or blond

    Yes, please. Oh, wait, coffee? Oh – dark and strong, please.

    There are myriad coffee options in the Seattle area, and most are good, if not very good. Drive-thru coffee stands abound, and most do it cheaply and quickly. My wife and I both drink 16 oz. coffees for just $5 combined. On top of that, “our” barista knows exactly what we like, and doesn’t even have to ask.

    Starbucks is rotgut compared to the Folgers I brew chez moi.

  92. #92
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, cf said:

    But hold the donuts.

  93. #93
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, fourstringfuror said:

    Sorry, I’m still going to Starbucks. It’s the only place when I can go and not be assaulted by spanish. There are no signs in spanish and no spanish speaking employees to mess up my order.

    I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve never run into that in Seattle, but if I did, you can bet I wouldn’t go back.

  94. #94
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:58 pm, yeper said:

    my promise that the wife and I will not be back in any Starbucks – ever They just opened a brand new Dunkin donuts several miles from us and, handily enough, pass right by them on the way to work

  95. #95
    On May 5th, 2008 at 5:59 pm, akornzombie said:

    I was at a labor arbitration hearing last week and the union guys all came to the hearing clutching Starbucks lattes and caramel something or other and the management guys were all clutching Shell Gas station coffee cups. How the times have changed. I sure know one thing: Neither Obama ever bought a cup of Shell Gas Station coffee.

    That says something, doesn’t it?

    We don’t have any DD’s here in Iowa, but we do have two Starbucks withing six blocks of each other.

    Frankly, having had their coffee, I’d rather go to a Quik Star and get theirs. Cheaper ($1.29 for the largest they got) and tastes immeasurably better, and no pretentious snobbery.

  96. #96
    On May 5th, 2008 at 6:00 pm, macbigot said:

    There aren’t very many D&D’s near my route; luckily, I have been able to get my favorite dark stuff under any ‘big M’ I drive past.

    Unfortunately, my employer’s president (who doesn’t drink coffee at all) chose to override the ‘coffee committee’ and select Starbucks as our coffee provider here at the office. Now, don’t get all excited, people — it’s NOT a perk (pardon the pun); remember that Starbucks makes it’s product so popular based on all the froo-froo dressings that can be applied; NO ONE actually drinks it STRAIGHT… that is, except for us here at work. We have to water it down so we don’t die by mid-day.

    Wish it could be reserved strictly for waterboarding (‘buck’s-boarding?) at Gitmo.

  97. #97
    On May 5th, 2008 at 6:02 pm, Dave from Flint said:

    I’ll stick with my Keurig single cup brewer & the huge variety of coffees available for it.

  98. #98
    On May 5th, 2008 at 6:03 pm, expres12 said:

    I find Starbucks overpriced for what I consider a bitter cup of coffee.

    I tend to buy A&P’s columbian unground. Not bad at all for the money, even though it’s about 20% more expensive this year.

    But my favorite will always be Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. But since the Japanese found out about it, it runs around $50 per pound. Too rich for me…

    I like my coffee like my women, light and sweet.

  99. #99
    On May 5th, 2008 at 6:07 pm, stacman said:

    For a plain old cup of coffee? Oh yeah! Dunkin Donuts over Starbucks anyday. Besides, did you ever taste a plain old cup of coffee at Starbucks? They strip car paint with that stuff. I gave up Starbucks long ago when I was tired of paying $5 for a cup of steamed non-fat milk.

  100. #100
    On May 5th, 2008 at 6:09 pm, feebiebabe said:

    Peets. I like Peets. No Dunkin Donuts where I live… :)

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