There’s something going on at my favorite Starbucks.
I’m not quite sure what it is. But there is new evidence today that this Starbucks is somehow special/better than the other 3 in my town.
Before I tell you about that, I should probably explain that there are 4 Starbucks within a 2 mile radius of my house. And, I go to each one over the course of the week or two, depending on what else I’m doing and the ambiance I seek.
Each of the four has its own thing going on and they are each good for a different purpose.
There is one particular Starbucks that I go to almost every Wednesday morning, after I drop my daughter off for orchestra rehearsal. This is the Starbucks where I go for a few hours of free wifi and quiet time.
In addition to being my ‘Wednesday morning Starbucks’:
This is the same Starbucks that had the “Take your photo as the Mermaid” game that I got such a kick out of.
This is the same Starbucks where I saw that guy who I was sure was Michael Bloomberg. (I was so sure I took his picture. Look really closely.)
This is the same Starbucks that has framed photos taken by one of the baristas on the wall. (You can see them, right above Mike Bloomberg.) The photos are for sale, but you’d only know that if you asked.
This is the same Starbucks where I brought our donations for the winter coat drive — despite there being a coat drive at my dry cleaners, the supermarket, and the grammar school.
This is the same Starbucks that has an ongoing bookclub and a windowsill of books that has become the local hub for BookCrossing, where I got yet another copy of Pride & Prejudice (you can never have too much Mr. Darcy.)
And now, this is the Starbucks that gets Christmas cards. From its patrons.
Have you ever seen a Starbucks that displayed Christmas cards from their patrons? Or even received Christmas cards from its patrons?
Earlier today, I took this photo of the store’s bulletin board, where there were six holiday cards from various patrons. (Sorry it’s not a better picture. I felt a little self conscious taking the picture.)
Interestingly, each of the six cards had handwritten notes on them, thanking the baristas for making their mornings, evenings, Saturdays, etc. a bit more special.
This is just NOT the same ‘Starbucks’.
I am now officially curious about what is going on at this Starbucks. I think that next Wednesday I will muster up the courage and marshal my curiosity, and stick my nose into their business.
What should I ask them?
See Also:
Can a Starbucks touch your soul?
Burned by Inauthenticity
The People Make the Place Authentic
Clients full of win (@randomdeanna)
Also, check out Scott Weisbrod’s post:: 4 Lessons fromStarbucks:A Brand on a Mission at Experience Matters (1/27/10)