Starbucks CEO: Italian baristas are very good, Italian coffee is awful

[Spironski]

Hi,

I have only been twice in the US, and perhaps five times in a Starbucks, so I am definitively not a expert on this . But reading all the rant about Starbucks, what do you make of the article in this newsletter: Starbucks CEO: Italian baristas are very good, Italian coffee is awful

Just curious...

[jamhat]

Thanks Spironsky,
That was an interesting read. Of course, most people on this board are not Starbucks fans. I'm not too crazy about their coffee, myself. I must say, however, Schultz is a good CEO, and he knows how to communicate with his partners. That was a well-written letter that probably inspired many of his employees and instilled a sense of pride in their job.

On to his assessment of Italian espresso: I do actually like a little robusta in my blend (though not all the time). Sweet Maria's Classic Italian hits a nice ratio for my tastes. I can probably understand why some people don't like; it does add a little bite, but to me, it brings a little more presence in the cup and aftertaste.

[starry]

Here's a good thread about the same topic by a well respected member of this forum which seems at odds with Mr. Schultz... (at least the way I read it) "Visit to Rome and its espresso bars"

[Spironski]

Hi Jamhat,

Oh yeah, it is a well written letter. One can almost feel the motivation! But in the five or so times that I have been at a Starbucks, I haven't had a really good espresso, and, so it seems, almost nobody here on HB ever had one. So what surprised me is that mr. Schultz thinks they actually improved on the Italians on certain points (which is contrary to my own limited experience). When reading this letter one might think that Starbucks is the Keeper of good espresso!

[starry]

I think their brewed coffee was alright once upon a long time ago, but I went to a stockholder's meeting of SBucks with a friend a couple of years ago and thought that, of all places, they would serve the best they are capable of. I had straight espresso and it was very poor indeed.