My name is John McCourt, and I’m a Starbucks addict.
My love interest in Starbucks began several years ago. However, it wasn’t until after moving to Manhattan in late 2012 that things got serious. There are just over 200 Starbucks on the island of Manhattan alone, and whether you’re a born-and-bred New Yorker, a city transplant, or a visitor in wanderlust you can’t help but find yourself stepping in and out of the city’s most prominent coffee shop.
So I ask the question. Are all Starbucks created equal?
Starbucks is known for consistency across the nation, but in a city of 201 individual locations, one cannot help but notice the differences. It is my theory that Starbucks can serve as a guide to the neighborhoods of Manhattan, with each store a reflection of its surroundings. So I’m giving myself a year. One year of trying new drinks in new neighborhoods across the city.
Join me in my journey as I discover New York City through its favorite guilty pleasure.
Bad, overpriced coffee only drinkable when loaded with cream, sugar and bizarre flavorings like pumpkin. Good luck to you, New York newbie. And may God rest your stomach.
Hi John,
I’ve managed to live New York for several years without ever setting foot in a Starbucks. I have succumbed to getting coffee there (usually when stuck at airports or visiting other states) but I’ve always found it unimpressive, not to mention over-priced. But hey, if you enjoy their product, great.
However, since you claim to be interested in the neighborhoods of Manhattan, and stores being a reflection of their surroundings, surely you’d be better off supporting some of New York’s many local coffee shops that actually need the business to survive. Believe it or not, Starbucks doesn’t need you any more than New York needs Starbucks.
Best of luck,
James
Here’s a similar project of mine:
http://www.jamescampbelltaylor.com/2011/04/egg-cream-u-bet/
If NYC had no Starbucks, where would everyone use the bathroom?
Thanks for sharing and opinion noted.
-John
Couldn’t you learn about the neighborhoods and city in a better way? Find the oldest building in X block radius…longest living tenant in neighborhood…most successful family owned LOCAL business stories…so many options! Instead…you choose to sound like an idiot..telling stories about things we already know = you were fooled into overpriced coffee drinks and live like a robot. I’m sure you carry your People magazine under your arm, man bag draped from your wrist, STARBUCKS brand in hand while trying to txt on your glitter cased iPhone. STORY OF A VALLEY GIRL!
The iPhone case is purple.
Haters never prosper Chuck Boy,
That’s true — they have created inadvertently a citywide toilet chain. But I usually take my bathroom breaks in hotels — they’re cleaner.
Too bad about the haters who need to be negative about everything. I’m glad you’re doing something you enjoy and writing about a company/culture/experience that’s become nothing short of ubiquitous on NYC street corners. I happen to like Starbucks coffee, yet I also frequent the small coffee shops that dot the streets in my native East Village. Looking forward to seeing another unique view on living in NYC! Cheers!
Love your idea but you won’t set any record, a fellow citizen visted all 171 Starbucks in 1 day at that time. Check out here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwYxuV2dVzwx
I am really enjoying your blog so far. Ignore the critics. Good luck!
I love your blog. It’s super creative!