John McCourt is a recent Manhattan transplant and self-professed “Starbucks addict” who, for whatever reason, has taken it upon himself to visit every overpriced espresso outpost in the city. From his blog:
So I ask the question. Are all Starbucks created equal?
Starbucks is known for consistency across the nation, but in a city of 201 individual locations, one cannot help but notice the differences. It is my theory that Starbucks can serve as a guide to the neighborhoods of Manhattan, with each store a reflection of its surroundings. So I’m giving myself a year. One year of trying new drinks in new neighborhoods across the city.
Which, more power to you if that’s what you want to do. But if I was McCourt, I would be wary of doing so much guerilla marketing for a massive international corporation (presumably) being paid a dime. But to each his own, and there’s something impressive about the sheer force of will required to pull it off.
McCourt has only reached two Starbucks so far: 52nd and 8th, which he describes as “intimate” and “surprisingly spacious,” and Greenwich and Bank, a “litte gem” that “almost begs you to stay.” Read more about McCourt’s coffee encounters here. Good luck, dude!
(Photo: Ed Yourdon/Flickr)
