If Your Starbucks is Closing
July 29, 2008 by Peggy
I used to be a Starbucks freak. I loved nothing more than sneaking away from my desk where I worked to take a short walk for a latte. It was an afternoon treat, or sometimes an after lunch thing. Occasionally a breakfast thing, if I got there in time.
I quit that job and the Starbucks habit. So, I don’t care all that much that my nearest Starbucks is closing. Even if I did care, there are five other Starbucks a short drive away. Not kidding.
But, if you are me three years ago (Starbucks freak), then you may be wondering what to do if your nearest shop is closing. Maybe you aren’t as lucky as Jennifer, who gets to live in the coffee utopia of the US, where there are plenty of choices besides Starbucks.
Now is the perfect time to brew your own organic coffee, at home or in the office.
My favorite organic coffee is from Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland, OR, but I don’t always order it. I also like Ugly Mug Coffee. Sometimes I buy Archer Farms organic coffee at Target.
I’ve gathered some organic coffee reviews and info for you. They’re from Marye at Kettle & Cup. Enjoy them while you sip a cup.
Green Mountain Coffee: Single Origin Sumatra
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters: Newman’s Own Columbian Especial
Ugly Mug et Moi
Simple Ways to Green Your Coffee & Tea
Will the Starbucks closings mean you make your own coffee more often? If so, what are you drinking?
Image via flickr.
We just finally (this year) had 2 Starbucks open in my county. I was excited.. but I’ve never been to them once. The first opened in May. I just can’t bring myself to pay that much for a cup of coffee when I can buy a pound of good coffee and make it at home. I very rarely buy coffee out, and if I do it is usually at Borders. Someone told me that Starbucks owns Seattle’s Best (or they are partners), which is what our Borders carries. I love the Newman’s Own coffees, I am drinking some yummy Vanilla Caramel right now!
(I tend to go more for the flavored coffees.)
I quit the starbucks habit about 3 years ago too…after I had a frozen coffee that made me incredibly ill. They use some kind of malted powder in the drink that must have an ingredient I am sensitive to (and I am ony allergic to bee stings!)
Far better for you pocketbook as well as waist to pocket the $3.50 and drink coffee at home.
I was kinda hoping some of our Starbucks would close, but alas, no. My complaint with Starbucks is that they move into neighborhoods where we already have several independently owned coffee shops. To the credit of our citizens the local businesses have been able to survive. One local coffee shop, Mugs has a laundry basket by the front door filled with bags of used coffee grounds and instruction sheets on composting. Another, the Beancycle has a non-profit bookstore within the coffee shop. Most of the independents are also venues to display local art, have fresh baked goods, have rooms for free meetings and have great music. We’re going to see David Wilcox at Everyday Joes next month. I patronize at least 5 local coffee shops which I can walk or bike to. With so many choices why would I go To Starbucks?
never ever been in a Starbucks
I stopped buying coffee at Starbucks years ago when Intelligentsia Coffee opened up in the mid 90’s. They roast mostly single origin coffee that is seasonal and fresh. There is a great tour for the public at their roasting facility which is very educational. I highly recommend trying the La Tortuga from Honduras.
I remember living in CA and being so exeited about Starbucks. It was a treat to go there, especially since there were a couple that were open 24 hours (near a 24hr walmart). But now I go maybe once every 3 months and that’s for hot chocolate when we are out grocery shopping. I buy my coffee at my Co-op or maybe the Farmer’s Market. I get plain coffee and make my own creamer to go with it.
kisha, what’s your creamer recipe? Unless it’s secret… I hate buying it at the store since I can never use it all before it spoils.
Jodi, oh, don’t start the SB habit then! Yay.
Thanks for the comments everyone. Another duh thing I forgot to mention is that if you brew at home you don’t have to worry with taking your own cup or using a disposable one. I believe Jennifer mentioned once that she carries around bunches of cups and dishes in her car anyway…
; )
Oh it’s not a secert, Jodi. I found this really good site that has a lot of DIY things on it. Here is the site that I got it from. So far I have made 4 different creamers and 3 of them have been really good. http://www.budget101.com/creamermixes.htm#Creamer_Mixes
Thanks Kisha.