NEWS
Starbucks raises prices on most menu items
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by Aubre Andrus
Wednesday, October 6, 2004
As of today, all Starbucks stores nationwide will increase the average price of their beverages by 11 cents due to the rising cost of coffee and sugar. Even though the increase means wallets of the caffeine-addicted will take a hit, the publicly traded company does not expect to see a dip in sales.
However, State Street does provide other options for students looking to indulge in a cup of java.
Locally owned coffee shops like Michelangelo’s, 114 State St., and Fair Trade Coffee House, 418 State St., distinguish themselves from chains like the Seattle giant by focusing on environmental issues and offering a unique environment.
Lori Henn, owner of Fair Trade Coffee House, explained the differences.
“We are a locally owned and completely owner-operated store, which is very different from Starbucks who has a wealth of shareholders,” Henn said. “Another distinct feature is that we only sell fair trade coffee.”
By only selling fair trade coffee, owners like Henn and her husband Sam Chehade, owner of Michelangelo’s, can support growers and cooperatives in small countries. About 85 percent of fair trade growers follow shade grown coffee principles that leave as much existing vegetation as possible during the growing process, according to Henn.
“We have a real diverse, eclectic clientele, which is very appealing to most people. We are not intimidating like some places try to be,” Chehade said. “We are really down to earth.”
Inside of Avol’s Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham St., Dancing Grounds Coffee Lounge separates itself from other coffee houses with its liquor license. Prices for coffee drinks are more expensive, with a 20 oz. latte for $4.35, but wine, mead, beer and hot liqueur coffee drinks are included on the menu.
Other options include Kahlua Café, Irish Espresso and Café Amaretto with prices ranging from $4.25 to $5.25. Dancing Grounds is also one of the few coffee houses to sell wraps, sandwiches and soups and offer free wireless Internet.
Steep and Brew, 544 State St., one of the least expensive coffee shops on State Street offers an open mic night on Fridays.
Although a chain, Dunn Bros. Coffee stores are independently owned and operated in Madison, according to their website. Dunn Bros. offers free wireless Internet and is open until midnight during the week, later than most State Street coffee shops. A large mocha costs $3.40 and specials are offered each day of the week. Monday’s special is 50 cents off all café mochas, while Wednesday’s special is a bowl of soup for $1.
Another coffee shop offering specials is Espresso Royale Café located at 650 State St. Espresso Royale offers weekly specials during the beginning of the school year and then eventually moves to daily $1 specials for various drinks. Flavored ice tea, ‘specialteas’ and favorites. Peanut butter mochas and mint hot chocolate are among the items on their menu.
Brian Hong, a University of Wisconsin graduate student, prefers to study at the smaller, locally owned coffee shops.
“I like the laid back environment of local coffee shops,” Hong said. “They are a good place to study and try drinks that you wouldn’t find at the chain coffee shops, like Starbucks.”
Henn believes the variety of food, drink and atmosphere in local coffee shops will allow them to prosper against well-known companies.
“We made a commitment to Madison and State Street by saying local businesses are here and we offer a good service and a good product and we can compete with larger corporations,” Henn said.
No matter what some individuals prefer, Starbucks continues to be a competitor in the State Street coffee market and its second floor balcony attracts students planning on studying when the halls of Memorial Library do not beckon them.
