Starbucks experimenting with $1 cup, free refills
Some undisclosed Seattle Starbucks stores are experimenting with $1 "short brews," which are eight-ounce drip coffee. And some stores are offering free refills for brewed cups. The Wall Street Journal speculates the move could be to compete against McDonald's low-cost strategy as well as offer price-conscious coffee drinkers a more affordable choice.
Comments
Eight ounces is still rather large for an espresso drink. It would be nice to be able to find a decent three-ounce Spanish-style "cortado" at a morning spot in the U.S. somewhere.
Posted by: Neil | January 23, 2008 2:25 AM
This price is for DRIP-syle coffee only...like the kind you get at the grocery store deli...and McDonald's...for a buck. Cheers! CHARbucks is really scraping the barrel with this move. They'll lose more maoney in half&half and sugar than they'll make.
Posted by: ILikeCoffeeILikeTea | January 23, 2008 8:41 AM
People go to Starbucks for the brand, so they can carry the cup with the logo. I think it was a great public relations move, but Starbucks and Howard are brilliant at that game. There is no status in carrying a McDonalds coffee cup.
Posted by: Tammy | January 24, 2008 12:34 PM