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Local Expresso Entrepreneurs Battle Starbucks and Thrive

By
Mortgage and Lending with SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) NMLS 223495

Local Tucson Expresso store battles Starbucks successfully.Starbucks Coffee is getting gray around the temples.  It's beginning to show its age, so to speak.

Once the local Starbucks stores reached the saturation point, we began to see Starbucks kiosks in the local grocery chains.

How big can you get before you've saturated your market?

New competitors with great coffee, magnificent customer service, and well-planned business models are beginning to sprout in Tucson.

I'm drawn to the newcomers.  They're what Starbucks used to be--friendly and customer focused.

Starbucks is beginning to suffer from the WalMart syndrome.

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Mike Jones (Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC): Loan Officer in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona
Think of me as your Local Expert.

Comments(9)

Doreen McPherson
Homesmart ~ Scottsdale ~ Tempe - Tempe, AZ
Phoenix Arizona Real Estate ~

That always happens when there is a corporate office dictating the rules of how to operate.  Everyone has to cease being who they are and follow the process and the rules.  I don't like coffee, blech. 

May 10, 2008 04:45 PM
Jan Evett
The Premier Property Group LLC - Rosemary Beach, FL
Broker Associate, 20 years+ in real estate

MMM...Hmmm, I LOVE coffee... talk about your addictions!  Goes great with my other addictions like AR! My fave is Cafe Americano grande.  Just coffee and 3 shots of espresso.  Doesn't get any better ... for me!

May 10, 2008 04:58 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

it is a competitive business and I like the drive up coffee shops! I have seen a couple drive-thru Starbucks but not a lot.

May 11, 2008 04:36 AM
Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
Benchmark Realty LLc - Nashville, TN

You're about about that. When they can't increase market share, they start cutting cost. That means lower quality food and service.

May 11, 2008 01:09 PM
Susan Davis
Austin, TX
Excellence Advocate

I can so relate Mike. Problem here in our twin cities of Van Buren and Fort Smith.... we have 2 family run coffee competitors who used to be the bomb. Buyt as of late none of the 3 coffee choices are serving up quality, service or much of anything else. It is sad that these places get to a point of security after a few years and think they dont have to stay on top of those things. It really is all about the people in charge and what they believe in and the people the hire to carry out their vision. I think our coffee shops need some glass cleaner!

Susan

May 11, 2008 03:23 PM
Eleanor Thorne
Equity Resources - Cary, NC
Advantage Lending 919-649-5058

You, my friend, are a blogging machine!!!  OMG!!!!

May 12, 2008 04:01 AM
Mike Jones
SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ
Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Eleanor,

The fingers just can't stop pressing those little white keys!  Life is interesting; life is good. 

Susan,

they think they don't have to stay on top of things...  That's what brings on the competition!

Larry,

Have you noticed that the floors don't get as clean as they used to?  And look up.  See all that dust that never gets touched?  It's a sign of old business age.

Jan,

Coffee AND three shots?  You fiend, you!

Doreen,

So what do you drink instead?  I didn't know that there was a person on the planet except my mother in law who doesn't like coffee?

May 15, 2008 05:00 PM
Doreen McPherson
Homesmart ~ Scottsdale ~ Tempe - Tempe, AZ
Phoenix Arizona Real Estate ~

I have never liked coffee, I can't stand the smell or the taste.  I drink tea or Red Bull. 

May 15, 2008 08:50 PM
Billnulls Blog Florida Realty Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
AHWD

Mike - glad to see they are making it! I had a coffee shop a few years ago and did not make it against Starbucks! Lost my shirt!

May 15, 2008 11:56 PM