The Observation Deck

While I'd prefer local, I would rather have some business there than no business. Business wanting to come to Lakewood is a positive thing, even if it's Starbucks.

Cathy Frantz wrote:Just one little comment about drive-throughs. As a mother of two small children (and one very soon to be born!), I have come to appreciate drive-throughs like never before. Bank drive-throughs come to mind specifically (the idea of not having to unstrap some potentially impatient children from their car seats and grab a diaper bag before going into a very quiet bank that might have a very long line). But I have to admit, there is also something absolutely wonderful about the idea of being able to grab a quick coffee from a drive-through. .

I am also the mother of two small children and I TOTALLY know where you are coming from.... but I would bet you that if you camped out in front of any drivethrough with a notebook and kept track, you would probably see that most of the people utilizing it are individuals alone in their car. Or maybe two perfectly capable people...

I'd rather support Phoenix and locally involved company.

And that's your perogative. I just get annoyed that people portray sbux as this big coffee death star that sucks up everything around it and they are this 'evil' chain. It's been shown that Starbuck actually helps local businesses when they appear in areas.

I hope Starbucks will pay their employees tips....

That article and the lawsuit is ridiculous. Most shift supervisors are out there with the rest of the baristas filling the drink orders. Just because CA has some strange law, they shouldnt share in the tips? Come on. And fwiw, Starbucks is actually pretty awesome to their employees- they get great bennies. Anyone working over 20 hours get health coverage, dental and vision, access to 401k and stock options and partial tuition reimbursement. See this article from a Portland, OR newspaper from 2004. http://wweek.com/story.php?story=5137

While I'd prefer local, I would rather have some business there than no business. Business wanting to come to Lakewood is a positive thing, even if it's Starbucks.

Amen, and it's not like it's freaking Walmart, which blood sucks communities dry.

Valerie Molinski wrote: I'd rather support Phoenix and locally involved company. And that's your perogative. I just get annoyed that people portray sbux as this big coffee death star that sucks up everything around it and they are this 'evil' chain. It's been shown that Starbuck actually helps local businesses when they appear in areas.

Good point we are not talking about AT$T here

and frankly, in these times, any and every business should be welcomed with open arms to Lakewood ... even some of the big corporate ones. On one hand, I don't think we'll ever have to worry about Wal-Mart ... where is there land in town big enough to build one? But on the other hand, Starbucks is still an employer, it'll pay taxes, it'll hire employees who pay taxes. And if it makes Lakewood a bit "hipper" or more palatable for the folks who love coffee and/or Starbucks, it's good. I doubt it'll compete against Phoenix, because Phoenix is a real coffeehouse ... a place to hang out, discuss, play music, etc. Starbucks nowadays is a place to run in, get your cup of obnoxiously-priced coffee, and get out.

and frankly, in these times, any and every business should be welcomed with open arms to Lakewood

Agreed... It seems the city does everything it can to discourage small businesses from opening in Lakewood ... Why are people who represent the city that deal with these small businesses so poorly trained?

c. dawson wrote:and frankly, in these times, any and every business should be welcomed with open arms to Lakewood ...

While I agree with the principle, and there is no reason to stop them I always look at what they give back to the community, not what they sell and suck out of the community.

Both Phoenix and bela duby are active players in many of the things that are so positive right now in the community. Caribou is starting to come around as well, though they started out almost anti community.

Bobby and Julie are very active in giving time, coffee, and more to LEAF, Mainstreet, artists, Bike Lakewood, etc. Will Starbucks, that is all about the bottom line and knocking off the competition do the same?

If we really want Lakewood to prosper, and I am sure we all do, we should make sure the local guy does not lose out while welcoming new business. I see this happening everywhere in every angle.

How many are supporting Glen at Lakewood Hardware who is bucking the trend?

At some point if we want a healthy Lakewood, we must back local businesses, strongly, or stronger than we have in the past.

As for drive throughs, they are convenient, but in a time of dwindling oil reserves...


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Jim O'Bryan wrote: Bobby and Julie are very active in giving time, coffee, and more to LEAF, Mainstreet, artists, Bike Lakewood, etc. Will Starbucks, that is all about the bottom line and knocking off the competition do the same?

I agree. They, along with John & Jill Crino are very selfless in giving back to Lakewood.

Jim O'Bryan wrote:

c. dawson wrote:and frankly, in these times, any and every business should be welcomed with open arms to Lakewood ...

While I agree with the principle, and there is no reason to stop them I always look at what they give back to the community, not what they sell and suck out of the community.

Just curious... are you still referring to Starbucks with this comment in mind? Not to harp on Starbucks or anything, but I believe I dispelled that 'complaint' against them in my previous posts.

Jim O'Bryan wrote: How many are supporting Glen at Lakewood Hardware who is bucking the trend?

I am! "bucking the trend" that is.

Every time I need something I go there. I only go to the big box stores for the items Lkwd Hardware can't carry. I don't think I've been over to Ingersol's since Lkwd Hardware opened either.

I hope he sticks around for a long time. They always seem busy in there.

I would think Lkwd Hardware would make a good read/story in the LO about the local guys. Has that been done?