(Image source: LAist)
BY BRICE SANDER
Starbucks is looking to get you buzzed in a new way. Bloomberg explains.
ANCHOR 1: “It’s going to be expanding its wine and beer offerings through Atlanta and Southern California. Up until now it’s only been in--
ANCHOR 2: “Woah, woah- I can get wine at Starbucks?”
Starbucks first tested alcohol sales in Seattle. The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch suggests the new nighttime offerings play into the company’s recent makeover.
“The concept comes as Starbucks has been shifting into more of a consumer-products company versus a predominantly retail shop chain. Most recently, it advanced that change by buying a small upscale juice maker and launching K-cup coffee packets...”
Starbucks stock was up 45% last year. The guys at CNBC say this move from Starbucks to Barbucks will make 2012 another banner year.
ANCHOR 1: “They would not expand beer and wine sales if it were not working. Potentially good news for Starbucks?”
ANCHOR 2: “You would think so- absolutely. Interestingly enough it is now the most- number one- chatted stock on StockTwits.”
And The LA Times says the menu expansion won’t stop with alcohol.
“In addition to getting tipsy, customers will also have access to ‘premium food’ such as savory snacks, small plates and hot flatbreads. The alcohol available will be hand-selected and then modified over time to reflect local preferences.”
As for who the target audience might be for this new menu, LA Weekly has an idea.
“So if you're a screenwriter who spends your days at your local coffee shop, now you don't have to leave to go to the bar next door after, oh, seven hours of writing bad dialog. Just buy a CD of Tony Bennett duets and a beer and keep working. Lucky you.”
Still no word on whether your big boy beverages will come in tall, grande or venti.
