Starbucks Sucks

When you first read the title, you may think that I am going to write something that bashes this giant coffee corporation. In fact, I'm just noticing how Starbucks is gradually taking over Toronto, and I don't like it.

You see, Toronto and Mississauga used to be nice Canadian cities, free from all of those giant corporate American chains. Then all of a sudden, Wal-Mart appeared after it was finished wiping out small companies down south. Well that seems like a bold statement, but we can all remember when people would protest the opening of a new Wal-Mart.

Anyway, we had to put up with Wal-Marts popping up all over town, and deal with their cheesy employees every time we walked inside. Oh yeah, we can't forget those annoying signs hanging from the ceilings, that read "Wal-Mart is Canadian Proud!" Yeah, right.

Now, guess what?! Starbucks is here! Just when we needed someone to rival our already small coffee places. I'm sure people are perfectly contented with a morning coffee from Second Cup, or Timothy's, but now they can choose between that or Starbucks (which is always conveniently located directly across the street). In case you haven't noticed, Starbucks has a habit of opening up somewhere near an existing coffee house. Every time you see a Second Cup, you're bound to find a Starbucks nearby, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting customers.

If you had to choose between a regular old coffee shop, or the glitzy Starbucks, the choice wouldn't be too hard. Even though the coffee is bad (some people think its bitter), coffee drinkers naturally gravitate towards Starbucks' funky decor. I myself, like the plush velvet chairs, unique light fixtures and comfortable atmosphere, but it's all too surreal. Once you step into a Starbucks, you feel like you're in another world; planned out meticulously by corporate big wigs in the States.

A Starbucks just recently opened in Sherwood Forest, right next to my favourite privately owned café. As we all know, keeping a business open is not an easy thing to do, especially when a corporate giant moves in next door. Naturally, I thought this spelled the end for this little café, but it actually brought more customers! Who'd a thunk it? I suppose people get sick of drinking coffee everyday.

Starbucks is so fake, it makes me want to puke. It's always the same, no matter which one you go in. Having a feeling like you're drinking coffee in the city gets old FAST. Come to think of it, Starbucks reminds me a lot of the giant book company Chapters...

Yuck! Is this our future? Will Toronto and Mississauga be taken over by superstores with phoney atmospheres?

I always tell people to support Canadian coffee companies. Why? Because our economy needs all the help it can get! So PLLEEAASSE, the next time you pass a Starbucks, resist the urge to go inside. I too, have to remember that I must resist the temptation an...ah...support...Canadian....ah...coffee...companies. Whew!