In My Happy Place… Starbucks
Starbucks.  Finally.  Crap, the parking lot is full! No..wait, there’s a spot. I almost missed it..I’ll just back in. After I park, I cut the engine and trip out of my car. I try not to run, but can’t help it – it’s already been one of those mornings and they have something I really need. So, I sprint a little, only slowing down to grab the door handle. I smooth my clothes and wipe the hair from my brow and ease the door open. Whoosh… the aroma of freshly brewed coffee invades my nostrils. I take in a deep breath, exhale..then smile. Suddenly, all is right with the world. The driver that cut me off, the fingernail that broke, the smart phone that dropped in the toilet and now sits in a bag of rice…none of it matters now. Why?  Because I’ve arrived. I’m at Starbucks.
Um..there’s a line. Only two people ahead of me. No worries. Could be worse. I’ve seen worse. To pass the time, I people watch. You ever do that? Well, from young to old, right here, right now, are people who would want to be no other place but here, at this moment in time, doing exactly what they’re doing. Neighbors and friends, colleagues and clients, all sitting at tables made from repurposed wood, sipping coffee from recyclable cups and wiping their mouths with napkins made from 100% recycled fibers. They are all enjoying sweet treats that were probably shipped in frozen but display beautifully and listening to the smooth sounds of their favorite artists whose CD may be for sale up by the counter. Laptops open and tablets prominently displayed, they all work here, connect here, eat and drink here. Why not be here?
Back in line, it’s now my turn. “How may I serve you today?” the smiling barista asks. Again, I smile and prepare to state my order, which is simple really. I say, “Tall…” She finishes…”decaf coffee with a shot of hazelnut and room for cream.” I nod. Why can’t everything be this easy? I add a spinach feta wrap, not because I’m starving, but why not. “Oh, add these fruit snacks too,” I request. Why? Because I’m in my happy place and it has no boundaries. My Starbucks has successfully created a place that, third to home and work, I truly want to be.
What experience have you created for your customers today?
