Seattle’s coffee lovers are buzzing with the news that the mighty Starbucks chain, which started in the city nearly a quarter of a century ago, is re-branding a handful of its outlets.
Named after their neighbourhoods, 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea is reported to be the first of three of the city’s Starbuck’s branches undergoing a stealth makeover.
Against a backdrop of falling sales, the global giant appears to be trying out a new, low key local guise. As well as adding beer and wine to the menu, live music and poetry readings are said to be introduced to the mix.
Hmmm. Beer, wine, live music? I’m sure something like this has been tried before. Why don’t they just add porky scratchings and call it a pub?