It's all good. I'm taking a break from grading written work for my boys. We homeschool.
Anywhoo, I think it's not so much that people are jumping on you because you're highly critical of the addition of Starbucks to the Main Street Bakery. Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinions which I definitely respect. I have my own feelings about things that I, in turn, expect others to respect. It's all good. I think a lot of the arguements to your points is that a lot of your reasoning when expressing your distaste for the Starbucks addition comes from the fact that you don't like coffee, the smell grosses you out, and you have no connection to the branding specifically. Again, having an opinion is fine. The point is just because YOU don't enjoy coffee or YOU are grossed out by the smell or YOU have no connection to the brand specifically doesn't mean it's not appreciated or welcomed by others who might really enjoy a true cup of coffee or enjoy treating themselves to a Starbucks when the opportunity presents itself. I don't go to Starbucks every day but when I do I definitely feel like it's a special treat that I really enjoy. It makes a good time better to have a little treat on top. Like icing on the cake.
The smell thing I can identify with. The smell of seafood literally makes my stomach turn. I can feel it in my throat like I need to go puke. Know what? I don't go to seafood restaurants that are stinky inside, I avoid the seafood counter at the market, and my family doesn't bring fish or other seafood into the house. They keep it outside to clean & cook. But ya know, I know my family and most others think of seafood as a wonderful treat. I would never want them to not enjoy that, tho. I go to restaurants that I can stomach. I'm thrilled for others who enjoy seafood so much.
Starbucks may not be involved specifically in the schools in your area. Starbucks may not do a lot with schools period. However, there are other worthy areas in society they can and DO get involved and try to promote a general sense of community in the neighborhoods they are part of. Even if all they do is inspire their patrons to check out some civic organizations or take part in a community cleanup, that's something more than a lot of businesses do. Plus, it's kinda unfair to judge Starbucks across the country by the inadequecies of 1 store or 1 region. Get the wrong person in the wrong management position and it WILL cause the sorts of problems you described with employees. ALL businesses have those same challenges. I've been to Starbucks where I know I got poor service and a sub-par product. I've been in other Starbucks stores that were excellent in every way. Ever run into a grumpy CM at Disney? Had one give you incorrect information? I have many times. That's not the company as a whole being garbage. That's a misstep by just a few.
Not trying to lecture, just expand the horizons by lending a different perspective.
I, for one, would be hopping around singing at the thought of being on Main Street with a trenta iced skinny vanilla coffee w/9 splendas, light ice, and extra milk. I don't want the inside of the bakery to look like my neighborhood Starbucks store. I want it to be themed and blend with the surroundings the Disney way. Judging by how the Starbucks has turned out in Disneyland I think the marriage of the 2 will likely come off smooth and pleasant. Definitely don't want to judge before it's done and I've seen it. Never judge a book by it's cover, right? Don't focus on the Starbucks logo. Wait to see what the substance is inside.
JK.
