Bob Phibbs

Starbucks Looks to Put Life Into Nighttime Business

January 25, 2012

FROM RETAILWIRE:
According to reports, Starbucks is expanding a six-location West Coast test of beer and wine sales to as many as 25 locations around the country by the end of the year. Will Starbucks adding beer and wine at some locations be a success or will it alienate core customers at the chain?      [more...]

Having led a startup coffee franchise to over 125 units, I can tell you this is a smart move. 90% of coffee drinkers drink their coffee in the US before 11 a.m. -- what the heck do you do with your store that is open until 11 p.m. to gain nighttime traffic? In essence, the coffeehouse is able to morph into a casual nighttime conversation spot. They've tried the cafe rout and it didn't work, this is minimal change to the operation. Again, very smart.