The Starbuck’s Mentality

What is it about the coffee shop that everyone likes? Are we, as a people, wannabe beatnik’s in disguise? Why is Starbuck’s one of the largest food chains in the world?  Why is it that one little drink has become such a huge driving force our country?

As someone who is trying to turn over a new leaf, I often think of coffee shops as a safe place to let my creative juices flow.  I have a strong urge to write or draw (which I’m terrible at) anytime I walk into a coffee shop.  As a matter of fact, I started writing this post in a Starbuck’s in Seattle on 6th Ave. & Stewart St.  As someone who wants to find out what it means to be a starving artist, coffee shops are a haven for me to practice my craft. While I’ve never been one for writing a lot, I do enjoy it and I want to learn to be more consistent in it.  I can think of no better place to begin than a coffee shop.

Maybe intimacy is the answer.  As I write this, there is a couple sitting less than 5 feet from me and I have no idea what they’re saying.  Not from lacking listening, that’s for sure. :p.  Having the decor Starbuck’s does portrays a sense that things are calm and there is no need to rush through life. Ironic that they serve a caffeine drink and want to provide a place for someone to relax/destress before their day starts.

While I may not have an answer, what I do know is that Starbuck’s and coffee shops in general have become an integral part of American culture.  I’ve always wondered how they changed from the eccentric artist hang out to the central meeting place for most college students and quite a few business people. Maybe coffee shops have always been popular and my perception of them has changed.  While I’m not a coffee drinker, more and more of my friends are and they enjoy meeting over a cup of coffee.

In the end my thoughts on coffee and their shops doesn’t matter. They’re here, they’re a great place to hang out, and they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.