Re: Zingerman's Announces Espresso Boot Camp

In my experience as a consumer, the coffee shop business is NOT
competitive. The reason being that they locate their shops far enough away that
competition is not a factor. And even if they were close, I don't see the shop
trying to improve quality, customer service, nor reduce overhead to reduce
prices.

Huh? Your experience may be limited to sunbelt suburbs

Or may be not...

In any case, I've heard three or four stories from quality cafe owners
(most posted here) about their business improving when a Starbucks
opened nearby. Every time the *$ line gets too long, they get some new
regulars.

I'm sure that effect happens, and, you may recall that I've posted the same comment here, too. But isn't that about supply and demand and has nothing to do with quality, per se?

Or, to put it another way, if your 'quality cafe owners' consider Starbucks a quality competitor what does that say about their coffee? ;) Its easy to compete with Starbucks, just brew lousy coffe, milk it down, and add flavorings, while undercutting their price by a nickel.

I have yet to see two, high-quality coffee shops fiercely competing for customers. Unless you call having two, different 'signature drinks' as being competitive.

Dan

.

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