Academic

Return Of The Fern Bar? Starbucks Tiptoes Towards Beer And Wine.

By Dan Filler

Can the return of  Henry Africa be far behind?  Starbucks, in an effort to find more ways to make money off of potables, is dipping its toe into the wine and beer market.  According to Thursday's reports, the chain is stripping one of its Seattle stores of the company title and renaming it 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea.   In addition to the usual drinks, the new store will offer wine and beer. 

This all makes sense to me.   During the day, this store will probably move primarily non-liquor beverages.  After dark, however, when many Starbucks see a perilous dip in demand, the potential consumer population becomes more diverse.  How often have you wanted a cup of coffee when a friend wanted to grab a drink?   Port is always a good choice after 9, so I'd hope they'll have a nice Taylor Fladgate.  Of course if I were advising Howard Schultz, the Starbucks CEO, I'd tell him to include Baileys, Kahluah, and Bushmills in the cupboard.  They'll want to draw in the coffee-plus crowd as well.  I can hear the convivial laughter already. 

And once they've nailed this liquor thing, perhaps they could move on to food!

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on July 18, 2009 (boomark / email).