Why Am I Willing To Pay Five Bucks For Starbucks Coffee
When coffee hit the two dollars a cup mark, I swore to cut back or give it up all together. After a few weeks of little or no caffeine, I quickly changed my mind.
Quite frankly, I went all in and soon found myself willing to pay five bucks for Starbucks coffee.
Of course like many others, I tried replicating this addictive coffee at home with various syrups, coffee brewers, and a variety of coffee brands (including Starbucks own brand.) Although I ended up with some great tasting coffee (as well as some not so great), I never quite managed to brew a cup that was equal to a cup from Starbucks.
So I gave into the fact that they surely had some secret step or ingredient (or both) that was not to be duplicated at home.
Therefore I would continue to be willing to pay their price for that exceptional cup of coffee. Maybe it's not just the flavors but the overall Starbucks experience that continues to lure millions of customers, myself included.
Regardless of why, I know I am not alone with the over 4 million cups of Starbucks sold and consumed in America every day.
So now you know why I am willing to pay five bucks for Starbucks coffee, here are some more points and facts you might find interesting. Read on...
 | Amazon Price: $28.95 List Price: $50.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $28.95 List Price: $50.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $28.95 List Price: $50.00 |
History of Starbucks
With the beginning of Starbucks in 1971, they were first a roaster and retailer of whole bean and ground coffee as well as tea and spices. They started with a single store located in Seattle's Pike Place Market. You could say they have grown a little since that first store with more than 17,000 locations (as of January 2011).
There are over 8100 licensed stores and nearly 8900 company-owned stores. This includes all of their stores which are now located in over 50 countries. Pretty good for a little coffee house from Seattle, wouldn't you say? We could all only hope for such success.
A couple of things you may not know is what other brands that actually belong to Starbucks:
- Starbucks Coffee (pretty obvious)
- Seattle’s Best Coffee
- Tazo Tea
- Torrefazione Italia Coffee
More Interesting Starbucks Tidbits:
- Starbucks Entertainment was introduced in 2004 to help customers discover quality entertainment options as part of their daily coffee routines.
- Starbucks implemented green building, water and energy use as well as ethical sourcing helping farmers reduce deforestation starting in 2009.
- Starbucks successfully reduced water usage by 4.1 percent in 2009 with a goal of trimming their water consumption by 25 percent by 2015.
- Starbucks also recently made changes to their menus for healthier choices, removing high fructose corn syrup, offering "skinny selections" and by adding fruit smoothies to their choices.
Expensive Coffee Equals Worker Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Insurance: medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life, disability
- Bonuses
- Paid time off
- Retirement savings plan
- Stock options and discounted stock purchase plan
- Adoption assistance
- Domestic partner benefits
- Emergency financial aid
- Referral and support resources for child and elder-care
- A free pound of coffee each week
This along with their great tasting coffees, treats, and smoothies are among the reasons I am willing to pay five bucks for Starbucks coffee.
Syrups for Your Coffee
 | Amazon Price: $10.50 |
 | Amazon Price: $32.99 List Price: $39.99 |
 | Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $165.00 |
 | Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $185.00 |
 | Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $39.99 |
What Is Your Favorite Starbucks Beverage
See results without votingStarbucks Coffee Mugs
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 | Amazon Price: $25.94 List Price: $29.95 |
Starbucks Headquarters - The global headquarters for the worldwide coffee company, with over 4,700 stores at last count, is located on the eight floor of an old Sears building
Will You Pay 5 Bucks For A Cup Of Coffee?
Thanks Beth100,
I know I found my craving go up the more I wrote about it. My favorite is the White Chocolate Mocha and no matter what I do I can't seem to make it at home. I do consider it a treat though, usually only one cup where if I am home I usually drink 2-3 cups.
I am addicted Starbucks coffee drinker. I purchase it for making at home. I also buy it at the local Schnucks when on sale and save the bag for the "free tall cup of coffee" next time I make a coffee purchase at the local Starbucks. It makes for a great perk! Informative, entertaining article, especially for justifying the Starbucks addiction!
Forgot to say that I have my Latin American beans ground at Starbucks. I am amazed that, despite the volume of beans they grind, my coffee remains purely Latin American, with no hint of other flavors. The reason I prefer Starbucks grinding the beans is (1) avoiding the mess I make early in the morning grinding beans and (2) the degree of "fineness" in Starbucks ground beans. I have a good grinder, but cannot match their ground texture. In my attempts, the beans are ground to a much coarser end-result, and the coffee suffers with a much weaker cup. For me, there are few sins that compare to the gravity of wasted Starbuck coffee beans!
Wow Amy, sounds like you have it down to a tee. I didn't know Starbucks would grind your beans for you, that is awesome! Thanks for sharing the info,and for all your support.
Dear MyMastiffPuppies, Yes, and Starbucks asks if you want the beans ground for cone or regular filters. They don't charge a penny for that service. I really enjoyed your article.
Thanks Amy, that is really good to know and again thanks for the support!
Beth100 11 months ago
I indulge once a week for a specialty coffee, knowing that I can't replicate it at home. Once in a while, it's worth it, but on a daily basis -- I actually become bored with the taste. :D Now I've read this, I have a craving for a cuppa!