I am dating myself, but an interesting bit of history is in the 60's in San Francisco (and big cities), coffee houses were our hangout, listening to poetry and drinking our expresso's, (being verylaid back and cool), much better than the now espresso at Starbucks. Nowadays I find Peet's the best coffee around. Starbucks is a habit, a meeting place, but the price is crazy for the cup of coffee you get. I will say the kids that work there, get full health ins., for 20 hours a week. They go to college and can fix their schedules around that. I have gotten to know them, and love them, and let's face it, Starbucks is a household name, and with free WIFI, a great gathering place.
Live consciously....