8/23/2005

Starbucks not all students' java of choice

by Beth Cochran

The well-known green straws and siren can be spotted on almost every corner of campus, but now coffee lovers are seeking out local breweries.

Large chains like Starbucks pushing out smaller operations is nothing new, even at ASU, but local coffee shop owners have noticed their stores are making a come back.

Douglas Alexander, general manager of Coffee Plantation on Mill Avenue, said he noticed a brief decrease in business when Starbucks opened down the street, but now business is thriving.

"There are a lot of people out there that like to support locally owned shops," he said. "Anything that's independent is popular right now."

In January 2003, Starbucks hit ASU with full force, replacing Diedrich Coffee and partnering with Gourmet Grounds.

Since then, four Starbucks have popped up around campus.

Sophomore Ren Hayes is one student who has been won over by Starbucks.

"I've tried different coffees, but Starbucks seems like a homemade brewery," she said. "I'd rather go five to 10 minutes out of my way for Starbucks."

But despite the more than 20 Starbucks in a five-mile radius of campus, coffee enthusiasts are still keeping local shops in business.

"I hardly go to Starbucks," said psychology freshman Micah Mammen, who stopped off at the MU Starbucks, just because it was nearby. "I go to Hava Java, because it tastes better and I know the people there. I don't know anyone at Starbucks; I can't really associate with it."

Lisa Avery, a speech and hearing science senior, said, "For the most part I try to go to locally owned shops or places that have a family appeal."

Avery said these shops offer more variety and fresher food.

Because of patrons like Avery and a quality product, Jake Cranston, manager of Hava Java in Phoenix, is confident in his business' success.

"We were here before Starbucks came, and we've been doing well ever since," Cranston said. "Our flow has actually increased in the past couple of years."

©State Press 2005

 

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