I don’t really get it. As far as the environment goes, the independent shop is comfy and homey with plush couches, free Wi-Fi, and coffee tables that give the impression that customers are just relaxing in their own homes. On the other hand, our Starbucks is relatively small, and though they have a small seating area, it has a more “restaurant” feel.

And the coffee? I consider myself a coffee connoisseur, and the coffee at the independent shop is equally as good. Starbucks does stay open longer, and therefore, it’s more convenient for coffee addicts like myself, who don’t require coffee only in the early morning hours. However, what is it that makes Starbucks the “go to” coffee place, crushing the hopes and dreams of independent shop owners in small towns like mine?

On the one hand, it’s flattering that he or she actually remembers your name, your usual order, and even correctly associated it with your face. On the other, it’s a bit presumptuous. What makes him or her think that you don’t have enough sense of adventure to try out something new right now? Do you look like the kind of person who can’t help but stick to his boring old routine? Non-fat? Aren’t you looking more fit today, so that you deserve a calorie-laden frappuccino with double servings of whipped cream?

Next situation. You’re in the mood for a quiet, relaxing day. What could be a better setting than your neighborhood cafe, with that steady buzz of coffee brewing, the subdued chatter that blends into white noise, and the soft jazzy music playing in the background? You settle into a comfy chair, open your chosen feel-good book or magazine, and then suddenly, that familiar voice again asks you, “Hey (name)! How are you doing?” You smile politely and say you’re fine, thank you very much. You’re about to go back to your book when it cuts in again. “Oh, you’re not working today? Are you on leave?” Again, it’s flattering that he or she remembers you, and some things about your life which you probably shared bit by bit through your frequent visits. But isn’t it obvious that you just want to enjoy some quiet alone time? And, it’s not like you’re old buddies.

Do baristas annoy you?

A new Intelligentsia concept coffee store is due to open in Venice, California either June 8th or 9th. It was originally due to open in February 2009, so it has been many months of waiting for it finally to open. Soon westside LA will have its own local Intelligentsia coffeebar.