Caribou verse Starbucks

I know I have posted this question on Facebook before. Thinking back on that now I think I got more responses to that question than I do when I write about Jesus. Which is honestly a little bit scary. That said I would like to further may argument for Caribou Coffee being a better establishment to patron than Starbucks.

Caribou verse Starbucks
1. Caribou gives free refills on Coffee and Teas - While I realize that some Starbucks locations do this as well, Caribou has it as a company policy! This tells me you value me as a 'sit down' customer. This makes me happy. You know when I show up 1.5 hours ahead of schedule for a meeting that I might like to drink more than one cup of my beverage.

2. Caribou has better atmosphere than Starbucks - In general Caribou has a 'lodge' type of feel with comfy chairs and fireplaces. I have yet to be in a Starbucks that offers that type of feel. Starbucks has a more modern feel, but I prefer the comfy/cozy feel Caribou provides. Also the music at Caribou is easy on the ears and not too loud. For some reason the music at Starbucks seems loud and distracting when it comes to trying to converse with others.

3. Caribou has free wifi - Every Caribou I have been in (including the one I am writing this post from) has FREE wifi. Starbucks now provides AT&T wifi at a price. I don't think I have to go any further on this.

4. Caribou "Baristas" are just nicer people - Maybe it's because I live in mid-west and most Starbucks employees are between 16 and 22, but Caribou just has nicer employees. You can carry on a conversation easily and they are very helpful when new drinks come around. I have met some nice Starbucks employees as well, but not as consistently as I find at Caribou.

5. Caribou has a better product than Starbucks - While Starbucks might have 'started' this whole thing, I think Caribou offers a superior product. The teas at Caribou taste better by far. Their selection is bigger and the quality of the teas is consistent very tasty. The hot chocolate at Caribou is made with steamed milk and real chocolate. Starbucks makes theirs with powered and water, enough said on that. I am not a coffee drinker, so rating Starbucks Coffee verse Caribou would be worthless for me. However my wife is a coffee drinker. She is a hard core Starbucks fan and even she will admit that Caribou Coffee is equal to or even better than Starbucks in some respects.

6. Caribou provides a better overall experience - I feel like I can sit in a Caribou and talk with my friends for hours. I don't get that feeling at Starbucks. I understand this is completely an opinion, but my above opinions back this one up from my point of view.

7. Product Value - Caribou and Starbucks are pretty much even if you just look at price. However since Caribou offers a better product in general I think it provides higher value and quality.

I could go on, but honestly I need to run tonight and I will use this as an excuse to not run, so off I go. Would love to hear what you think about this argument. Healthy conversation is always welcomed and appreciated. It's our uniqueness as humans that makes this life so interesting. I love that every single one of us is different in some way. It makes life so enjoyable and awesome.