Want a Drink? Starbucks Wants to be Your Go To Spot

Starbucks is following the European model and integrating a beer and wine list into their menu. Over the years, the mega coffee chain has received flack for feeling more like a conglomerate than a neighborhood coffee shop. With specialty beverages that will run you anywhere from $3-6 and locations literally across the street from one another, it's no surprise that people have become disillusioned with the chain. Recently, the company has attempted to restructure and revamp its image, which among many changes has included the creation of a new logo. The most recent attempts to revitalize Starbucks have included the renaming of stores and the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Seattle will be the first city to have a Starbucks Corporation shop that sells spirits. The renaming of coffee shops is one of the most drastic changes this company has undergone; some of the stores that were previously labeled "Starbucks" will adopt the name of their respective locations. For example, a ubiquitous "Starbucks" in Seattle has been renamed "15th Avenue Coffee and Tea", which is appropriately labeled after the shops location. If all goes as planned, the company will adopt this model in other cities and locations.

As a self proclaimed coffee and wine connoisseur I think this is an AWFUL idea. The downfall of Starbucks has been caused by the exorbitant prices and mass produced nature of their products. Instead of adding additional items to the menu Starbucks needs to improve the quality of their coffee. Generally, restaurants generate a hand picked wine list with selections that compliment their food. I hate to be pessimistic about this project but I can only imagine a Starbucks wine and beer list including a host of sub par overpriced selections. I don't know about you, but I plan on continuing to stay away from the coffee conglomerate and stick to local coffee shops, wine bars and restaurants with wine selections I can trust. If a shop can't make a decent latte something tells me selecting a halfway decent wine is out of the picture...