"You've Caught the NET!"

Hope you're having a productive afternoon, everyone!   The snow is beginning to melt here in Chicago!

I'm sure you've heard by now of Starbucks publicity-laden move to close their stores last night for three hours to "re-educate" their barista crews and other staff on how to make better coffee, and make visiting a Starbucks a better customer experience.  Read "The Stew," the Chicago Tribune Food and Wine Blog, for reader comments and related video.

Competitor Dunkin Donuts countered the Starbuck's publicity stunt by offering free latte drinks most of the afternoon and late into the night yesterday - I tried a cup, and it was pretty good, although the "atmosphere" left much to be desired, under the Western Avenue Brown Line L Tracks in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Chicago, just down the street from our offices.

McDonald's is jumping onto the Premium Coffee bandwagon in a big way.  7-11will not be far behind!  Obviously, the once-seemingly-invincible Starbucks is feeling the heat, and feels the need to "retool' a bit in light of intense competition

Hey, what's all this have to do with real estate?  Plenty!

How many times have you ran into the neighborhood Starbucks not only for your morning joe, but to tap their wi-fi connection to verify comps on your way to a Listing Presentation or Market Analysis?  I would wager you have met buyer clients at a Starbucks in the area they are considering moving - laptop in hand, blank purchase contracts in briefcase?  Have you stopped in and treated clients after a long day of viewing properties - often times, an Iced Latte is a more appropriate peace offering than a shot and a beer!

For many of us, Starbucks has provided a convenient, hip, friendly oasis to meet and entertain clients.  You expect each store to be clean.  You expect the service to be predictably friendly and knowledgeable.  You expect the other customers to be respectful.  You even demand that the bathrooms be beyond reproach.  In your mind's eye, most fast food joints, convenience stores, gas stations, and even independent coffee shops might not measure up, so you go with what you know.  Right?

Well, the buzz, and the growing feeling, among consumers and Starbucks management alike, is that their once-unassailable star is starting to tarnish a bit.  Service in some busy stores is often lackluster during busy periods.  Cleanliness, on the tables, and in the washrooms - sub-par.  The clientele - sometimes, not as respectful as you might like.

It's tough to believe that a three-hour "Religion" meeting involving Starbucks employees would do much more than tell the PUBLIC the chain is getting the message, and wants to raise the bar of quality coffee, food, and service.   But - is it too little, too late?

Can you still rely on Starbucks Coffee to provide the products, service, and environment you need to conduct business with clients you value while you are on the road?  Would love your shares here!

You know, last year, Sue and I vacationed in Aruba.  What a strange place - no Starbucks down there . . . not yet, anyway!  I guess, if you are a Real Estate Practitioner working on that beautiful Caribbean island, you finalize transactions over a rum drink, or local beer.  Perhaps - that's a much better, even less stressful, business environment - heh?

Enjoy the rest of your day - and don't over-caffeinate!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO