Missing the Bucks as We Spin Our Daily Grind

It took a few trips to the grocer's for me to identify with Starbucks; after finally accepting their presence, I ventured over and requested a Chi. The Attendant smiled, asked questions and made me feel pretty good on a relatively fine day. It was then I thought to myself, "I'll get a Starbucks again." Another occasion, while shopping with adult children, someone made a suggestion to stop for coffee. As we made our way to get a cup of coffee, I observed in silence as my children passed 5 other coffee shops before pulling in to the grocer's store where everyone could buy Starbucks. It was at that moment I realized Starbucks was more than coffee or a Chi drink - Starbucks was a place to go. The Bucks, as my adult children referred to it, is on the day's excursion to-do list.

Whether we seek a caffeine fix or not, Starbucks delivers Zenesque 7-11 Beatnik n Gin Atmosphere with progressive Suburbanitish Touchy Feely service. Small children want and know Starbucks stuffed animals. Adults look forward to guava juice and tarts as well as driver's mugs that won't spill and gift cards for stocking stuffers at Christmas. The Bucks is our Christmas shopping list. Somewhere on path of sales Starbucks became an icon, but what has happened during our emotive love fest with all things Starbuck?