Dalkey against Starbucks

In local news this week is the story that Dalkey, a small town just south of Dublin, is up in arms at the prospect of a Starbucks cafe on their doorstep. Like many places around the world, the residents of Dalkey don't like the idea of globalisation coming to their idyllic coastal village. (Sorry folks. Living in 21st century Ireland means globalisation is already there even if McDonald's are not - does the local pub sell Guinness?).

A Bebo site has been set to garner support for their protest: Dalkey against Starbucks.

Along with the issues of globalisation, the biggest concern seems to be for the welfare of locally owned businesses. Particularly cafes. I too would have that concern and, in fact Starbucks even admit to their tactic being total coffee domination of a local area. (See article below).

However, my view has changed slightly when I came across an article in Slate. In the article it is proposed that having a Starbucks open in your area is actually a good thing for local cafes for the simple reason that having a Starbucks creates a buzz (literally!) and draws people into the area for coffee. The report highlights that when people get fed up with standing in long lines for coffee they opt for the independent cafe next door. The independents also have a flexibility in what they serve and at what price, which a franchise like Starbucks don't. So when SB sell a tall latte for 3.00 euro, you could sell yours for 2.50 and still probably make a 300% profit! (Plus SB don't have loyalty punch cards like others do).

Admittedly the article is written from a North American context, but it's interesting and well worth a read if you have a couple of minutes:

Why Starbucks actually helps mom and pop coffeehouses


UPDATE: Starbucks is now open in Dalkey. You can read about my quick visit here.

Another New Arrival

I just discovered today that a new Starbucks is arriving not too far from me, in Ranelagh. I am unnecessarily exited!

Since I last posted about Starbucks I've visited another one to cross off my list of all Starbucks' in Ireland that I've visited.

How and why Starbucks have such a hold on me (and possibly you?) I'm not so sure.

Check out the view from Dana's trip to Starbucks recently, if you get a chance.

A New Arrival!

Great News! Cafe Coombe now serve Starbucks coffee and our daughter was born today!

(Wait, I think I announced that the wrong way round...)

What's that smell?

My much-overdue-pregnant-wife decided that she wanted a little peace and quiet this morning (the calm before the storm?) so she suggested I take our other two kids out for a couple of hours. I obliged and did what any responsible father might: I raided their money boxes and suggested we go and buy some toys. The kids obliged too.

There was one condition to the purchasing of toys though. Yes, a stop at a cafe in the shopping centre. I have to say that with a set of Matchbox cars and some Ponyville my little ones where perfectly content to let me enjoy my latte. The cafe had an open front to it so I could watch the world go by, but there was something wrong. Something next to the cafe that was spoiling my moment.

Beside the cafe was one of those coin operated rides for kids. This particular one was a Bear in the Big Blue House ride. Bear is a favourite in our home. If you know the TV show you'll remember that each of the episodes runs to a similar format. After the opening song Bear appears at the door to welcome the viewer. He then sniffs around and asks, 'What's that smell?' (I get a little freaked out when he guesses correctly - 'Have you just been outside?', 'Did you just have a bath?', 'Did you just have some donuts?')

Every few minutes the ride next to the cafe made a sniffing noise and Bear asks, 'What's that smell?' However, it wasn't the ride that was ruining my coffee. I couldn't help thinking to myself, 'I'll tell you what that smell is, Bear!' Because on the other side of the cafe was a butcher's shop and all I could smell was raw meat. Gross.