Why Starbucks rules

I went to downtown Pismo Beach today to get a coffee, then go for a walk on the beach. I would have usually went to Starbucks in Pismo Beach first, the one next to Scolaris, Rite-Aid, and Outlet malls, but I wanted to change my routine by supporting the local businesses then walk right onto the beach.

So I park downtown, away from the new paid parking area and walk to a coffee shop I used to love, The Black Pearl, but it was closed for business and in it's place was crepe place. No problem, I'll just walk a few blocks away and get a coffee at Zodak's on Price Street. When I get there, to my surprise, it wasn't Zodak's anymore, but a place called Java Shack. I couldn't believe it, but it was closed on a Sunday morning in the summer!

So then I walk back to my car, drive to the Starbucks on Five Cities drive, get my coffee, and then drive back to the beach.

I think that is the difference between chains and Mom and Pops. The chains you can rely on them being there day in and day out, and with the little guys, you don't really know. It is this consistency that keeps Starbucks in business.