“I’ll Have a Star Tribune With That” Yes, I know most people get their news online these days (the remainder presumably still pick up newpapers on their front stoops). However, if you’re away from home and also in need of a caffeine “booster shot” — Starbucks (or I’m sure Caribou) will hand you one through...Read More
Yogi Berra-ism’s Berra’s line — about a popular seafood restaurant near the Yankees’ Spring training camp in Florida — never fails to get a laugh. But there’s more than a little truth to it. Today is the third day in a row I made a detour to the neighborhood Starbucks in search of a mid-morning “booster shot” —...Read More
No Offense to Coon Rapids OK, so this isn’t very scientific, but if you don’t know the Twin Cities, and want some insight into its various neighborhoods, herewith is a quick guide: What does the Starbucks clerk (sorry, “barista”) say when you order a 16 oz. skim latte? Richfield: ‘You betcha.’ Linden Hills: ‘You got it!’...Read More
Revisiting the “Home” in “Home Office” Want a little educated (Realtor) speculation? Extrapolating the trend for home offices, mobile offices, car(?) offices — in fact, everything but “office” offices — a secondary, follow-on trend seem inevitable. Namely, heightened sensitivity to one’s physical location — and prioritizing of same. Put it this way: if you’re holed up...Read More
“$4.30 For a Tiny Slice of Poundcake??” Even by New York’s inflated prices, “430” ($4.30?) for the tiny slice of marble pound cake at Starbucks seemed like a rip(off). It turns out, that’s the number of calories, not the price. In fact, everywhere you go in New York, there are now two numbers displayed: the...Read More
Starbucks vs. Burger Jones One restaurant doesn’t exactly make a trend, but the new burger joint new Lake Calhoun — aptly named “Burger Jones” — appears to be embracing an anti-Starbucks marketing strategy. So, forget Starbucks’ “Tall,” “Venti,” and “Grande” for “Small,” “Medium,” and “Large” (or, is it the other way around?). If you order...Read More
